Skip to main content

Full text of "Dánta Aodhagáin Uí Rathaille = The poems of Egan O'Rahilly : to which are added miscellaneous pieces illustrating their subjects and language"

See other formats 




I 


I 
,“13VHOIW '4S 





Digitiaed by the Internet Archive 
in 2008 with funding from 
Microsoft Corporation 


http://www.archive.org/details/dntaaodhagin03orahuotft 








i " . . Í AA AA mm V ! 








the ppesence€ o[í thIS BOOk 


the J.m. kelly lIBeRaRy 
has Bgegen maó€ possIBle 
thpough the o€n€RosIity 





Stephen B. poman 


From the Library of Daniel Binchy 





BEISH TEATA, SOCEE TY. 


Comann na Seníbeomn óaeóúilae. 








O(NC(í (OOOhaS4IN ui eaichcnlle 


THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY 


TO WHICH ARE ADDED 


MISCELLANEOUS PIECES ILLUSTRATING THEIR SUBJECTS 


AND LANGUAGE 


EDITED 
GUUith IÍntroburtíon, GTrans[ation, f)otes, anb (6Íossarn 


BY 


REV. PATRICK 8. DINNEEN, M.A. 


LO. DONW 
PUBLISHED FOR THE IRISH TEXT BOCIETY 
BY DAVID NUTT, 57-59, LONG ACRE 
1900 


PRINTED AT THE 





By PoNSONBY & VWELDRIOK, 


PREFACE. 


IN this volume are collected all that could be íound of the 
poetical remains of Egan O'Rahilly, a poet whose verse gives 
unmistakable expression to the state of feeling in Ireland 
during the forty years that íollowed the Revolution. It 
would be difficult to select a poet more genuinely Irish. Nor 
are there many poets giíted with a more subduing pathos or 
a more enchanting melody. “The Editor feels confident that, 
in spite of the general decline of the language in which he 
wrote, his accents aíter two centuries of oblivion will win the 
public ear as those of no Irish writer have won it since his 
death. 

An account is given elsewhere of the sources whence these 
“disjecti membra poetae” have been taken. “The translation 
accompanying the poems is line for line and literal, and is 
intended to assist the learner to read the original in a lan: 
guage which has, as yet, no satisfactory dictionary. 

The first edition of a work like the present can hardly fail 
to be very imperfect. “The Editor hopes that, when these 
poems have attained that popularity to which he believes 
them destined, much new light may be thrown on the life 
and writings of the poet. He therefore invites all who have 
any fresh information on the poet's career, or on his writings, 
to communicate with him on the subject. 

A few miscellaneous poems have been added, partly to 


w PREFACFE. 


elucidate some of the subjects treated of by the poet, and 
partly as specimens of the language in which he wrote. 

Mr. Osborn J. Bergin of the Oueen's College, Cork, cor- 
rected the proofs of the poems, and read the translations in 
manuscript, and the Editor takes great pleasure in acknow- 
ledging his indebtedness to his sound judgment and accurate 
knowledge. Hée has also had the opinion of the Very Rev. 
Peter O'Leary, of Castlelyons, on difficult points, and begs to 
thank him for his kind encouragement. He is also under 
obligation to Miss Edith Drury of London, and to Miss 
Norma Borthwiclke of Dublin, who furnished him with tran- 
scripts of one or two important poems in the collection. To 
the Committec of the Irish Texts Society he desires to express 
his thanks for their encouragement in the performance of a 
difhcult undertakineg. To the Chairman, Professor York Powell, 
and to the Hon. Secretary, Miss Eleanor Hull, he owes many 
valuable suggestions. 

The Editor desires, moreover, to thank the authorities of 
Maynooth College, and especially the Librarian, Dr. Walter 
MacDonald, and the Vice-President, Very Rev. Dr. O'Dea, 
for the facilities afíorded him for consulting the interesting 
collection of MSS. preserved in the College Library. He also 
wishes to place on record his sense of the courtesy he received 
at the hands of the Officials of the Royal Irish Academy. He 
begs, also, to thank Mr. Michael Warren, of Killarney, for 
reíreshing his memory on stories connected with the poet. 
Finally, he must not omit to record his appreciation of the 
efhciency and intelligence displayed by the staff of the Dublin 
University Press in the production of this work. 


/fuly, togoo. 


ONE US. 


INTRODUCTION :— 


I. 


I. 
II. 
IY. 


'The Poet and his Times, 

His Works, 

Metric, . 

The Elegy and Moinihí for the héad, : 


v. The wMss. and Language of the Poems, 


oánNcga aoohaadáiN uí nachaiLLe: THE POEMS 


XI. 


OF EGAN O'RAHILLY :— 


. Cnéacca cníc Póola :: The Wounds of the Land of 


Fodla; . s s 


. (m milleaó o"nmées an món- Fienocail na 


h-'ernaonn: "The Ruin that befell the Great Families 
of Erin, S . s 


. Miac an Ceannmóe : The Merchant's Son, 

. Ó1le na ónle : Gile na Gile, 

. (fn Gúprun; : The Reverie,; . 

. (úruna Wleabuil: An IHllusive Yision, 

. (ín can o'aprcma ao Ouimnegaódaib: On his removing 


to Duinneacha, :“ 


. barancín bnún : Valentine i Ais : 
. Muan oo éuin na h-emeasa €arbos Eeoifaiieh 


can lean : When the Bishop of Cork was sent over 
the Sea by the Heretics, . 


. An File a a-Cairleán an cóeam: The Poet at 


Caislean an Tochair, 


O'TPinnaáin Ua Oonnóuóda an iSieanaG: To Finneen 
O'Donoghue of the Glen, . 


PAGEs 
Irish English 


Ba in 3 

6 
12 1 
18 1 
22 23 
24 25 
26 27 
30 31 
ó4& -ss. 9B 
96. ba oi 
Aosa, “1 


wii CONTENTS. 


oánca aoohaadinN uí nachailLe: THE POEMS 
OF EGAN O'RAHILLY (eonfinwed) :'— 


PAGEs 
" I ú Irish — English 
xir. (Un Dár. cnín óloimne Gmósa Uí Cnómín: On the 


Death of-Tadhg O'Cronin's three children, : aise naiA a oiohd a16 
xnir. IRanbna Seasáin bDnúin : Elegy on John Brown, . 48 .. 49 
xiv, (ún Dár Seasáin ITReinans Uí IRaésamna: On 
the Death of John O'Mahony the Rusty, : &... IE b9 
xv. (in Dár uí Ceallacáin: On the Death of 
O'Callaghan, . : : 5 s : : "66... mb 


xvr. (Un Dár an Fin céeaona: On theDeath ofthesame, 88 .. 89 
xvii. Cún. Dár llmnéeancas Uí óníobéa : On the 


Death of Murcheartach O'Grifin, ., : : si “09 iss Ha 

xvIII. (ín Dnósaib oo bnonnao an : On a pair of Shoes 
presented tohim, . : E $ : : si “980446, “94 
xrx. (un Dár Oaupon : On the Death of Dawson, . a. 104... 08 

xx. Cíonól na b-pean Iuimneac: The Assembly of 
Munstermen, . : Soir á s C06 SS 0 

xxI. (In File ain leabaió a sair; : The Poet on his death 
bed, Li Lá - L3 . . . . . 110 . hi 

xxir. Wlanbna Oíanmuoa Uí Uaosane an Ón : 
Elegy on Diarmuid O'Leary of Killeen, . : IA T6 

xxiir. Cún. Dár. Uilliam SS On the Death of William 
Gould, . 5 “AE Go itita 
xxtv. Oo Oonnchab Ua h Siieal To diilssi 9” Hickey, Ia4c cen io5 


xxv. (ín can cáima an pníonnpa Séanlur Scíobanc 
5o h-Albain: When Prince Charles Stewart came 


to Scotland, . & . . k LO se ig 
xxvi. (Un Dár óeanaic mic Mhrth an taeaiig? On 
the Death of Gerald, son of the Knight of Glin, . 140 .. 141 
xxviil. llHanbna an CCéan Seáóan ac Watií si 
on Father J ohn MacInery, i a a BSc aba 
xxvIII. Cannsdineaós ÓOomn Baná The Peonhesy of se 
Donn Firinneach, . . & baí dhi 


xxIx. 1nóíon Uí óeanalc : The Geraláine' 8 SIAR: &. 1605 I64 


xxx. €Cpicalamum oo Cióseanna ÓCmn Thana: Epi- 
thalamium for Lord Kenmare, , . . : je 184 . 16b 


CONTENTS. 


oánca aoohasdáin uí RachailLe: THE POEMS 
OF EGAN O'RAHILLY (confinwed) :'— 


Ix 


PAcGEs 


Irish English 


xxxI. Cneire le Cnomuell: More power to Cromwell, . 166 
xXXII, (lécanna oo ninneaó a b-Dánamenc Cloimne 
Comáir : The Acts of the Parliament of Clan 
Thomas, a 8 . 168 
xxxIII. lUanbna ic iiiiosad na Ais ae on 
Mac Carthy oE Palice, . ag sa . . ,. 176 
xxxIv. Chn Oíbic na b- gs On the Banishment of the 
Nobles, . E - . & a ” . 280 
xxxv. Oon caoireac seana mac Conmac Riabaas 
Tic Canéa: To the Chieftain Eoghan, son of 
Cormac Riabhach Mac Carthy, - - : s.. t90 
xxxvI. Oo Tlac Íinnáin Ouib Uí Smlleabám: “To 
Mac Finneen Dubh O'Sullivan, 8 2910 
xxxviI. Oo Conmac Tllac Canéa óumnc na a8a- oie$ To 
Cormac Mac Carthy of Gortnaglough, . & a. 9218 
XXXVIII. ((5 pneasnaó dain Oomnall mac Oonnéóaió 
alar na Cuile : In reply to Domhnall, son of 
Donogh, a/fias “of the Flood,” - 5 : ,.. 220 


XXXIxX. (In báp : Death, : & . s : s ir SIE 
xL. ((n c-((npaó: The Storm, : : u á s. 98 
xLI. O”Pean oan b'aimm Sionánac : To a man whose 
name was Synan, . E £ - 5 : . 228 

xLII, Cn Coileac oo soioeab ó Sasanc maó: Ona 
Cock which was stolen from a good Priest, ” -. 228 

XLIIIL Sean-éuimne Ctoohaaáin Uí Rachailie: A Remin- 
iscence of Egan O'Rahilly, 8 a é is s. 292 
xLIrv. Clann Comúáíp : Clan Thomas, F s & ... 256 
xLv. ((n Cleamnap: The Match, . e : : -.. 938 
xLvI. (In Comainle ólc : The Wise Counsel, . a . 244 


odnNca4 Le PIL1I010 eiLe: POEMS BY OTHER POETS:— 


xLvit. Uaoió Camós Uí Oumnín: The Lay of Tadhg 
O'Duinnín, . . . . . . . . 252 
XLVIIIL Cn óíó na nóaobal: On theruin of the Gaelss —. 258 


XLIx. ((n Reacc can Cuinn: The Laws írom beyond the 
Sea, S : á : : : . . ,. 262 


167 


. tr 


sea il 


253 


259 


2653 


: CONTENTS. 


odáNc4 Le PILUI01Ú0 e1Le: POEMS BY OTHER POETS 


(continued) :'— 


L. lIonnanbaó €arbuaea Concuse : The Banishment 
of the Bishop of Cork, E 2 : u 
LI. Paoirioin Seasam Uí Conaill: John O"Connells 
Confession, . : 
Lit. Oana Paonimproin bais Uí Conall: Another 
Confession by John O'Connell, 
LIII. THaccnam a a-Cill cuaca : A Meditation in a 
Country Churchyard, ; : : 
uiv. Paoirioin Conouban Uí Shiooiiime Conchubhar 
O'Biordan's Confession, 


ADDITIONAL NOTES AND YARIANTS, 


GLOSSARY, 


PAGgs 

Irish English 
264 265 
266 267 
2374 275 
280 281 
286: i 284 

292 

2956 


IEERODUÚUCHON. 


IE FEIE  BOEE AND. IS SEIMES. 


EDWARD O'REILLY in his “Irish Writers,” under the year 
I726, treats briefly of the subject of this sketch. He tells us 
that he was the son of John Mor O'Reilly, a native of Cavan ; 
and under the year 1700, he says that this John Mor O'Reilly 
had been intended for the priesthood, and went to study in 
the classical schools of Kerry with this profession in view; 
but, an impediment intervening during a vacation spent in 
his native Cavan, he returned to Kerry, where he married a 
woman of the name of Egan, and írom their union sprang 
IGwen. Gieill, the poet 

i According to O'Reilly, then, our poet was descended from 
the Cavan branch of the O'Reillys, and his real name was 
O'Reilly and not O'Rahilly. “There is, however, much reason 
to doubt this descent. O'Curry, in his “ Catalogue of Manu- 
scripts íor the Royal Irish Academy,” speaking of O'Rahilly, 
says :'—” [t is very singular, if this man's real name was Reilly, 
that he should write himself O'Rahilly, and that it should 
" continue to be written and known in the same manner down 
to the present day, in the very place of his birth. “There are 
many of the name of O'Reilly in the county of Kerry, and a 
great many of the name of O'Rahilly, too, looking on each 
other as distinct families and without the remotest recollec- 
tion of any ancestral affinities or identity.” Nay, there are 


x1I INTRODUCTION. 


families of O'Rahilly that claim direct descent from the poet, 
and yet who never dream of considering that their name is 
the same as O'Reilly. Our poet was a learned genealogist, 
and would be certain in his works to mention his Cavan 
descent if it were a fact ; but in none of his writings that we 
have been able to examine is there the remotest allusion to 
such ancestry. 

His own account of his ancestors seems, indeed, to upset 
completely the statement of Edward O'Reilly. In the last 
stan2a of the last poem he ever composed (XXI.), he tells us 
that the MacCarthys were chieftains over his ancestors from 
time immemorial :— 


1 will cease now; death is nigh unto me without delay; 

Since the warriors of the Laune, of Lein, and of the Lee have been 
laid low, 

I will go under their proteetion—with the beloved among heroes— 
to the graveyard, 


Those princes under whom were my ancestors since before the death 
of Christ. 


H his descent from a Cavan father had been obvious to all 
around him, as it must have been, if O'Reilly's narrative be 
authentic, the poet would never have written this stan;a. If 
he were a mere intruder from Cavan, such sentimental loyalty 
on his death-bed would be ridiculous, and he had as keen a 
sensc of the ridiculous as most men. Again, if he knew that 
his father was a Cavan man he could scarcely have written his 
pathetic attack on Valentine Brown (VIII), in which he 
speaks of him as an intruder, and laments the ruin of the old 
nobility, though the intrusion of an Englishman would pro- 
bably have appeared to him in a different light from that ofa 
native Celt. In the splendid poem (XXX V.) he addressed to 
the son of Cormac Riabhach MacCarthy he informs us that 
his ancestors dwelt for a time in Iveleary. In his prose satire 
on Cronin there is a very singular reference to the O'Rahilly 


INTRODUCTION. xii 


family. Richard og Stac replies to Mathghamhuin O'Cronin 
thus — 


“ Cá b-puanmir iíonnac péin oul a s-comónaó le Riocano óa lWlac 
Riocano Scac asurn baó cóin ounc a Píior oo beis asgo sunab é céim ir 
aoinoe oo bí as oo Pean asur oo fanreanaib, oo muinein Scannláin 
asup oo muincin Raeoaille buaocalaóegóc chabáin Uí Caoim a. ouine 
uaral boóc ná nab oo beaóa aoe ne reacc a-céao buaaóaim aóc oco 
b-reanann oegas oo nudaó-Fluab nán pár peun na proinbe mam an. 
dsur oo cGuala-rpa so naeunraóe comba mon-boodaíis ó pobul Ulí 
Caoim cní cnoióóe or cionn comba Tic Canéóa Thoinn a mamipein Loca 
Uéin.?”” 


“How dare you compare yourself with Richard og son of Richard 
Stack, as you should know that the highest distinction ever gained by 
your forefathers, by the O'Scanlans and the O'Rahillys, was to mind the 
cradle for O'Keeffe, a poor gentleman, the only property in whose family 
for seven hundred years was eighteen allotments of a wild mountain 
which never produced grass or wealth; yet I heard that the tomb of 
the proud bodachs from Pobal Ui Chaoimh used to be elevated three 
feet above that of MacCarthy Mor in the Abbey of Lough Lein.”” 


This passage is of course satire ; but, as far as it goes, it 
tends to disprove O'Reilly's statement. “Though the poet does 
not assert here that he himself sprang from the O'Rahillys of 
O'Keeffe's country, he seems to imply that the race he sprang 
from was closely allied to them. 

The precise locality of O'Rahilly's birth is uncertain. 
O'Reilly says that he resided at Sliabh Luachra, and the 
expression has been repeated by all who have written of him 
since. But Sliabh Luachra is applied in modern times, not 
only to the mountain anciently so called, but to a vast tract of 
country extending southward as far as the Paps, eastward to 
the borders of Cork county, and westward to within a few 
miles of Killarney. It was this Sliabh Luachra that Eoghan 
Ruadh O'Sullivan meant when he addressed 


Gnore 3 ruaóa Sléibe LUuacna. 


To say, then, that a man resided at Sliabh Luachra is as 
indefinite as to say that he lived in Meath or Upper Ossory. 


- 


XIV INTRODUCTION. 


Tradition has fixed the place of his residence for a consider- 
able time at Cnoc an Chorfhiaidh, or, as it is now called, Stag- 
mount, some ten miles to the east of Killarney, and close 
to the Great Southern and Western Railway, on the north 
side of that line. Here there is a,well, still pointed out as 
fooar S|odhagain, or “ Egan's well” In the Iolesnnomlbiars 
muid O'Leary (XXII. many of the places mentioned are 
such as would strike a resident at Staegmount ; and the Elegy 
on Cronin's children (XII.), as well as some passages in the 
Satire on Cronin, suggest a close neighbourhood to Rathmore. 
There can be little doubt that a considerable portion of the 
poet's life was passed in this locality. Nothing but a pro- 
tracted residence could impress his personality so vividly on 
the. mincls of the imeorle, 

But he did not reside always at Stagmount. His writings 
show a marked intimacy with Killarney and places to the 
west of Killarney, and one of his most touching lyrics is a 
vehement outburst of feeling on changing his residence to 
Dunneacha, beside Tonn Toime (VII. He appears to have 
made periodical excursions to the houses of the Irish nobility, 
broken and scattered as they then were, to whom his reputation 
as an o//aja/, gave him an easy introduction. But he had 
fallen upon evil days. “The nobles introduced into Ireland by 
the Cromwellian and Williamite usurpations, in the room of 
the old “ Milesian ” chieftains, cared little for letters, much 
less for Irish history or legend. In the manuscript remains of 
the Irish bards of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, 
few themes are more persistently dwelt on than the indiffer- 


encc of the new nobles to history or poetry. The hereditary ' 


o(lain/, of Lord Clancarty winds up a pathetic lament 
(XLVII.) for the ruined chieftains of the Gael, after the 
disaster of the Boyne, by a declaration that his occupation is 
gone, and that he must henceíorth take to brewing. Andrew 
M'Curtain, in moody melancholy, complains to Donn that the 
noblemen of his time show him the door almost as soon as he 


INTRODUCTION. xv 


has entered their houses, that they care nothing for his verses 
or genealogies. In the many laments for dead [Irish chieftains 
produced during this period, none of their virtues is so much 
insisted on as their hospitality, especially to the bardic tribe. 
The professional o//27,;/£ was practically a thing of the past in 
the opening years of the eighteenth century. 

The date of our poets birth has not been ascertained with 
certainty. lí we may trust a manuscript of this century, his 
eleey on Diarmuid O'Leary (XXII.) was composed in the 
year I606, and a short elegy on Justin MacCarthy (Lord 
Mountcashel), who died in 1694, is probably from his pen; 
and it is certain that he had reached the fullness of his powers 
before the close of the seventeenth century ; further, it would 
seem that most of his works, which have reached us, were 
written between the years I700 and 1726. We can fix the 
dates of some more definitely. His lines on the banishment 
of Dr. Sleyne, Bishop of Cork (IX.), were written in 703. 
John Brown, the subject of a most beautiful and touching 
elegy (XIII.), died on the Isth of August, I706. And this 
elegy clearly proves that, at this date, O'Rahilly took a most 
intense interest in the social war that raged in Killarney, in 
connexion with the Kenmare estate, and had been watching 
with an intelligent eye the events of the previous decade of 
years. [In October, I7o9, he appeals to Donogh O'Hickey, of 
Limerick, to leave his native country rather than take “ appro- 
bation oaths” (XXIV... “The “ Assembly of Munstermen ” 
(XX.) must have been written aíter I714, Írom the allusion it 
contains to King George and the same is to be said of the 
íéw stan;as on “Death” (XXXIX.). In his satire on Cronin, 
he mentions the year I713 as the date at which the strange 
parliament there described was convened. Héence, we may 
conclude that this satire was written after that date. “The 
“Eachtra Chloinne “Thomáis” was unguestionably written 
before the satire on Cronin. The Epithalamium, written for 
Valentine Brown, on the occasion of his marriage with 


xvi INTRODUCTION. 


Honoria Butler, of Kilcash, was composed in 1I72o. To this 
same date is ascribed a MS. of poem [II., according to the 
catalogue drawn up for the British Museum. In r722, we 8nd 
the poet making a copy of Keating's “ History of Ireland ” for 
Mac Sheehy. “This copy is now in the National Library, 
Kildare-street, Dublin. In a manuscript copy of his great 
elegy on O'Callaghan (XV.), in the Maynooth collection, the 
death of that chieftain is said to have taken place on the 
24th of August, 1724. In a copy of the poem on the “ Shoes ” 
(XV IIL), preserved in the Royal Irish Academy, it is stated 
that it was written about 1724. “The beautiful reverie which 
begins “Gile na Gile” (IV.) is found in a British Museum 
manuscript oí the year I725; and as this is in some other 
manuscripts regarded as a binding poem to the “ Merchant's 
Son ” (III.), the latter may not improbably belong to the same 
period. “The poem on Valentine Brown (VIII.) must have 
been written in old age, when want had pressed heavily upon 
him. “Though we cannot determine the date of the last poem 
he ever penned, the circumstances attending its composition 
areof painful interest. [It is certain that despondency weighed 
down that great soul as his end approached. He had met 
with bitter disappointments. “The nobles whom he immorta- 
lived had treated him with cold neglect. He was pressed 
hard by poverty. But neither disappointment nor poverty 
could guench the fire of genius that burned within him, and 
seemcd to blase ever more brightly, as the clouds of sorrow 
thickened above his head. On his bed of sickness (from 
which he never rose), his hand trembling in death, he penned 
an cpistle to a friend (XXI.) which must rank among the 
most interesting poems in literature. He describes his want, 
his loneliness, his grief, with unapproachable pathos; and 
passes on to the ruin of his country despoiled of her chieítains, 
“ since the knave had won the game from the crowned king.” 
In the barony of Magonihy, whose centre is Killarney, was 
fought out on a smaller scale the struggle between the races 


INTRODUCTION. xvII 


which ended in the confiscation of Irish land, and in this 
struggle we find O'Rahilly actively engaged. —Nicholas 
Brown, the second Viscount Kenmare, was attainted for his 
participation in the Jacobite war, and his estates vested in the 
Crown. As his children were inheritable under the marriage 
settlement, the commissioners entrusted with the management 
and sale of the forfeited estates were directed, by a Royal 
letter in I696, not to let the Kenmare estate for a term 
exceeding twenty-one years. But, contrary to this order, the 
estate was let privately for sixty-one years, far below its 
value, to John Blennerhasset, of Ballyseedy, and George 
Rogers, of Ashgrove, county Cork, his brother-in-law, two 
members of the Irish Parliament. “This contract, no less 
illeeal than unjust, had it been ratified, would have been 
fraught with the most serious conseguences. Blennerhasset 
and Rogers had intended to plant the estate with Protestant 
settlers, and to elbow the Catholic Celt to crags and barren 
moorlands. Their aim may be gathered from a memorial 
which they addressed to the Lord Lieutenant, when the 
validity of their lease was called in guestion by the English 
Commission in I6oo. We guote from that document the 
following :— 

“ We have lett some farmes to English tenants that doe advance 
some thinge, and wee hope when the estate is settled, and the Protestant 
tenants may think themselves safe in setting down there, that wee shall 
be able to raise the King's rent, and reserve a farme to ourselves, which 
wee think wee well deserve for so considerable an undertaking ; for wee 
could without losses, trouble, or hasard, manage two Protestant counties 
near Dublin sooner than this estate among so many ungovernable and 
disingenuous people.” 

The memorial goes on to show what a great loss his 
Majesty would incur by the invalidation of the contract, and 
continues :— 

““So that were it not on a publigue account more than a private 
interest wee would not undertake the trouble of communication with so 
wicked and barbarous a people for even the profitt wee expect. Truly 

YOL. III. b 


xvi INTRODUCTION. 


it is not so valuable but wee would surrender it, but that we have 
engaged so many Protestants, and wee have other considerable interests 
of our own estates and leased lands that do adjoyne it, that makes it 
agree with our interest and inclination to have that country planted 
with Protestants.” ““In playne English,” it continues, “this is no 
more than a tryall of skill whether Kerry shall be a Protestant or an 
Irish plantation or not. Their priest Connellan, the other day, told his 
parishioners at Mass that nowe they may with cheerfulness repair their 
Mass house, for that their old master, the Lord Kenmare, meaning Sir 
Nicholas Browne, would soon have the estate again.” (See Miss 
Hickson's “ Old Kerry Records,” and series, pp. I22—124.) 


The contract was guashed ; and in 17084, at the sale of the 
forfeited estates, at Chichester House, Dublin, the estate was 
sold to John Aseill, during the lifetime of Sir Nicholas Brown. 
The official entry is as follows :— 


“ All the estates of the Lord Kenmare in the province of Munster 
vested in the trustees were sold to Mr. John Asgill, April rath, r;o3, the 
buyer to pay all the incumbrances and to have all arrears of rent and 
Sir Michael Creagh'”s judgment due to the Trustees for é:ooo, and the 
woods, as per particulars afiixed, lying in the counties of Cork and 
Kerry.” 


John Asegill, the purchaser, had a strange career. An 
Englishman bred to the law, he scented from afar the litiga- 
tion that arose írom the confiscations that íollowed the 
Revolution. He had married a daughter of Sir Nicholas 
Brown, and, in I7o3, had obtained a seat in the [Irish Parlia- 
mcent. But that pious body, shocked at an absurd pamphlet 
he had published, voted it a blasphemous libel, and he was 
expelled írom the House. A few years later he entered the 
English House of Commons ; but his unlucky pamphlet was 
not forgotten. “The Commons ordered it to be publicly burnt, 
and the author was expelled. 

In the confusion that ensued, conseguent on a change o 
landlords over so important an estate, some Irishmen sought 
to enrich themselves, and rise on the ruin of the Catholic and 
Jacobite Viscount. Among these, two are singled out by 





INTRODUCTION. I 


O'Rahilly, as special objects of his wrath. “Timothy Cronin 
had been a collector of hearth-money to Lord Kenmare, and 
Murtogh Griffin acted as administrator to Lady Helen, his 
wife, during his attainder. Grifán had become a Protestant, 
and aspired to be a landlord. Cronin, though remaining a 
Catholic, found no difficulty in abjuring the Pretender. These 
individuals are interesting as representing the class of persons 
whom O'Rahilly savagely satirised under the general name of 
Clan Thomas. The poet composed an “ Eachtra,” or history 
oÍ the transactions of Cronin, in which he represents him as 
addressing his fÍollowers in these polite and outspoken 
words :— 


(CC booaca ouba oána onoómúincee, an Caóa, níon león ab man oo 
ófban me Cióeanna Cmn Thana ap a óoúóaa ar so o-cuagap a ináiíon 
asur a 1óeannarn oá óeana-naimaiío a8uT ní ain rmaiée le ceaócan oíob 
é, óÓin oo bí a Píor asam-pa ao b-peuoraimnn péin an prean-uapal 
Seaóán ((praill oo éaraó ain mo méin, ar 5o m-beaó cainbe na beaósa 
asam péin amal acá, óin ní naib maáipein asam-pa niam nán baineapr 
oá oisneaóc, ar me réin oo beié a a-ceannarp "na óigió. (im o-cúir oo 
ólac amneíoo cinnceáin oo. láimh ; níon mire an cnocaine mall ?pan 
s-ceano min, ní Pásainn bocán aan aon-rogaobaó aaup níon óuaap oo 
mráram “ran anaiíoo Tin aóc pléió asur clampan. 


““Ye black, bold, vehement, ill-mannered bodachs,”. said Tadhg, 
“was it not enough for you that [I banished Lord Kenmare from his 
country, and that | gave his daughter and his lordship to his inveterate 
enemy? And it was not through a desire to serve either of them, as I 
knew that Í could twist that old gentleman, John Asegill, on my finger, 
and that Í would have the profits of the estate myself, as I have; as I 
never had a master whom I did not deprive of his inheritance which I 
kept myself, in his stead. At first he received hearth-money on hand. 
I was not a slow villain at that trade. I did not leave a cabin without 
plundering, and 1 gave him no satisfaction for that money but wrangling 
and dispute.” 


Then Tadhce proceeds to tell how he had ruined the inhabi- 
tants of O'Keeffe's and O'Callaghan's districts, evicting the 
inhabitants íor hearth-money, until the whole region became 
a wilderness. What the poet thought of Grifhn is sufúiciently 

b 2 


IX: INTRODUCTION. 


obvious from the mock elegy with which he soothed his 
names (X V 1I.). 

Mention has been made of the woods in this estate as 
becoming the property of Asgill. It would seem that some of 
his under-agents were interested in cutting them down before 
the property passed into the hands of the Browns, and a com- 
plaint was made that 420,000 worth of timber was destroyed. 
Trees newly felled were sold at sixpence each. 

On the issth of August, 17006, soon after the estate had 
changed hands, and when the inhabitants of the barony were 
abla;e with indignation at the attempted introduction of 
Protestant planters, and at the ruin of the woods, brought 
about for selfish ends by designing upstarts, died Captain 
Brown of Ardagh, who had long been manager of the estate, 
and had been a member of Parliament íor Tralee in I68o. In 
the course of a beautiful elegy on the deceased (XIII), 
O'Rahilly pours out his wrath, like lava, on the heads of the 
plunderers of the people. Captain Brown's connexion with 
Lord Muskery and his wife's relation to the Duke of Ormond 
were not likely to be lost sight of by the poet. 

In the second stan2a he hints at the unduec violence of the 
new masters — 


4 bárr, no meallai leac án lócnann, 
Fál án n-anban án m-baice ”r án o-cónnainmm, 
ódánoa án o-cegac an m-ban '' án m-bolaóc, 
'An rsaáe noim prseannaib peanca póinne. 
XIII. 3—8. 


The same idea is developed in two or three succeeding 


stan;as. “The people have now no lord but the God of glory ; 


the woods are cut down, a pitiable sight. Then the high 
military genius of the deceased is dwelt on, and a company of 
rivers chant a melancholy chorus at his death. But the poet 
turns from these, more pained at the weeping of Brown, now 
in servitude abroad, and the weeping of the widow of high 
lineage. “Then, with withering sarcasm, he describes the 





INTRODUCTION. héis! 


sad plight to which the estate oí the Browns had been 
recmeed 

(tóban uabaimn buaiíóeanóda 'T bnónso!il, 

Cenuaó lui :3T uilc agn céona, 

Tiéaouódaó oian an éiac "ran cóise 

Cíor bun b-peanann aa €paill oú éóimneam. 


Cn oana cár oo cnáió an cóige : 
ón:opa ir Caoga a b-preióom “ra móncsurp, 
Uén oíbneaó án raoisce mónóa 

4T a b-peanannaib caince 3? cóna. 


Tr oié-cneac bún a-coillce ain peócao, 
1r mair Cais as aóaimc man pmól oub, 
óan amhnar cá a a-ceann 'T a o-cóin leg, 
Ón lá o"méas praiaé uannao na plóisce. 
XIII. 81I—g2. 


Aseill, the new proprietor, had troubles of his own. While 
he was the cause of angry scenes in the Legislatures of both 
England and Ireland, his underlings in Kerry, men of the 
stamp of Cronin and Griffin, got what they could by the 
destruction of the woods, or by the extortion of hearth-money. 
The years went by in sorrow and suffering for the Catholic 
Celt, whom the law never recognised except for purposes of 
insult and plunder. —-Men driven írom their homes through- 
out the country retired to the fastnesses of the woods and 
mountains, and there offered a desultory resistance to the 
execution of the laws framed by a faction to plunder and 
insult them. 

In r7?2o, Lord Kenmare (Sir Nicholas Brown) died, and his 
son Valentine was now undisputed owner of the estate. In 
this year, O'Rahilly voiced the public Joy in a beautiful 
epithalamium for his marriage with Colonel Butler's daughter 
(XXX... “Twenty years of anxiety and fear and suffering had 
passed ; and the dream of Blennerhasset and Rogers—a 
Protestant plantation in Magonihy—had vanished into thin 
air. 


XXII INTRODUCTION. 


Froudc, referring to this period, or a little later, declared 
Killarney to be the Catholic University of Ireland. The 
classics were taught, and aspirants to Holy Orders were trained 
in scholastic discipline, and the intricate laws of Gaelic poetry 
werc carefully studied there. The cause of Sir Nicholas Brown 
was the cause of enlightened freedom, and true toleration ; 
but there were others of the local gentry who favoured the 
progress of the Catholic Celt. O'Rahilly, in the tract from 
which we have already guoted, mentions four as the only ones 
who had the true spirit of fairmindedness. Cronin, in the 
speech to which we have referred above, declares that if 
four traitors who were in the country were in his power he 
could sleep sound ; they are Lavellin, Colonel White, Ned 
Herbert, and William Crosby. Of these, Lavellin and Colonel 
White had married sisters to Helen, wife of Sir Nicholas 
Brown. [In the intended depositions of Sylvester O'Sullivan, 
the informer, we have the names of several popish school- 
masters in Killarney whom he declares to have been “ well 
versed in the liberal sciences.” One of these, indeed his own 
partner in academic labours, he accused before Lord Fit;- 
maurice, of Ross Castle, “of carrying arms, school-teaching, 
and other heavy crimes.” But the scholastic services of 
Sylvester were dispensed with after he had, on the aard of 
February, 1729, “ publicly renounced the errors of the Church 
of Rome “ in the Protestant church at Killarney. 

- Sylvester O'Sullivan states in a memorial, which he styles 
“ depositions ready to be sworn,” that Archdeacon Lauder 
who sat among other magistrates to hear his complaint, spoke 
as Íollows, in a great “ huff and fury ” :— 


“How now, you rogue ! Do you think to get any justice against the 
county Kerry gentlemen who are all in a knot, and even baffle the very 
judges on the circuit ? Nay, you are mistaken ; our bare words are taken 
and preferred before the Government before the depositions of a thousand 
such evidences who have no friends to back 'em. This is not France, 
that severe country where the King's interest is so strictly maintained. 





INTRODUCTION. XXII 


No! this is Kerry, where we do what we please. We'll teach you 
some Kerry law, my friend, which is to give no right and take no 
wrong.” 1 


In spite of any arguments that may be founded on this 
speech, it is certain that, though many of the Protestant 
gentry sided with the Catholics against the Government, 
racial and religious animosities ran high, as the story told in 
XLIII. suficiently proves. 

The Catholic Celt of Magonihy, however, had something 
more substantial to rely on than the good will of time-serving 
magistrates. “There were true hearts and stout arms in the 
fastnesses of the mountains to defend his cause. Glenflesk is 
a valley bounded by mountains of savage grandeur, and 
watered by the Flesk, a river celebrated in song and story. 
Near the entrance of the glen stands the castle of Kilaha, 
which was for generations inhabited by the O'Donoghues of 
the Glen. Perhaps no Irish chieftain so successfully preserved ' 
his clan írom the ravages of the íreebooter. No [Irish chief- 
tain was served with more devoted loyalty. Nature had done 
much—she had reared lofty walls of rock on either side ; she 
had indented the mountains with convenient recesses, whither 
the outlaw might betake him till the storm he had raised had 
blown over. But it was in the strong arm of the indomitable 
race that acknowledged him as lord, as well as in his own 
uprightness and courage, that O'Donoghue found his chief 
strength. He was not wealthy ; but he lived ever among his 
people—their cause was his cause. He hated Castle proclama- 
tions and decrees with a traditional hatred. It was in vain 
that his estate was declared forfeit under Cromwell. “The 
undertakers, in all probability, never even beheld the slopes of 
Derrynasaggart or the lakeof Foiladown. One of the sweetest 
and most vigorous of Gaelic poets reigned at Killaha during 





1Eor a full account of this remarkable document, see “ Old Kerry 
Records,” and series, pp. 177—186. 


XXIV INTRODUCTION. 


the Restoration and Revolution periods. His poems breathe 
the spirit of manly independence (XLVIIL-XLIX.) In the 
stress of the penal days, when unjust forfeitures had forced many 
a good Irishman from the home of his ancestors, the hospitable 
chieftain of the Glen welcomed them with open arms. 
O'Donoghue's house was a safe haven for persecuted bards, 
and the chieftain himselí a generous patron of the Muses. A 
grateful poet has left a vivid picture of life in Killaha Castle 
during the days of the Revolution, when Geofírey O'Donoghue, 
himselí a poet and wit of a high order, extended an open- 
hearted welcome to his brother bards :— 


mún Seéapnab le céaoab aip aghnTnio oioce, 

Thún cnéioceac le céaoaib "na a-cansan laoróoóe, 
Thún péapoac 3T préile 'na a-caiécean píonca, 
Thún oéancac na h-éisre le caoca óíolaó. 


Oún cléine "na léiscean an Laioim líomóa, 
Oún beiese le snéaraib ain bnacaib píopa,” 
Oún éapadó Pá Pfeuoaib oo macab níosaba, 
Oún snéi:ióne nán céanna a o-cabainc 0” aoróeabaib. 


Cúinc laoónaó san cnaocaó oo basan bíoóba, 
Cúinc éacsac an cnéin-Pin nán coiaill míona, 
Cúine béanpac “na néim-?niéó as pneapesal paoiée, 
Cúinc aonac an óaoóal-bnoa ir pana aoibDimn. 


The house of Geoffrey—short seems the night to hundreds ; 
House of accomplishments, in which songs are sung to harps; 
House of festiwity and hospitality, in which wines are drunk ; 

” House of bestowing, in which bards are rewarded substantially. 


Stronghold of the clergy, where Latin is fluently read; 
Stronghold, where the maidens embroider silken robes ; 
Stronghold, liberal in dispensing gems to sons of princes ; 
Stronghold of gifts unceasingly given to guests, 


Mansion of heroes, unsubdued by wicked threats; 

Mansion of wonders, of the valiant man who stored not jewels; 
Mansion of verses freely running to honour nobles; 

Mansion of airiness is the Gaelic dwelling, roomy and delightful. 





INTRODUCTION. x—Y 


The Glen became the home of “ Tories, Robbers, and 
Rapparees, Persons of the Romish Religion, out in arms and 
upon their keeping.” It was these tories that madc it secure 
to carry on the crimc of school teaching in Killarney. A few 
extracts from the correspondence with Dublin Castle, of some 
Kerry magistrates and others, will give some idea of the part 
played by Glenflesk and its Chieftain, in the social struggle; 
whose centre was Killarney, and in whose vortex the years of 
our poet's manhood were passed. 

Colonel Maurice Hussey, himself a Jacobite, writes on the 
26th of December, 1702, from Flesk Bridge :—"“ The Tories 
in the province are lately grown highwaymen, that is, most 
of them horsemen ; I find there are now about Rnfteen or 
sixteen.” In the same year he writes again to the Castle 
secretary, Joshua Dawson :—“ Tories are skulking up and 
down in couples, but [ have taken good care to prevent their 
getting into the mountains—the chief of the Rapparees were 
twice sett by twice their own number of soldiers from Rossc, 
yet they escaped, a shameful thing to be related. I do not 
carc to be the author of it, but 'tis true” Hussey, who was a 
Catholic, further asserts that he had “an Enelish heart still, 
though born and miserably bred in Ireland.” 

In I708, it was expected, on all sides, that the Pretender 
would visit the west coast of Ireland, and Colonel Hedges, of 
Macroom (II. 45), who had been appointed governor of Ross 
Castle, proceeded to administer the oath of abjuration to 
Catholics in the various towns. Many Catholic gentlemen, 
on refusing it, were imprisoned. Colonel Hedges, writing to 
Dawson, says :—“Some Irish gentlemen have very freely 
taken the oath, and others will, but the proprietors and idle 
persons, and such as served King James and are poor, and all 
the priests, are the persons who are universally and entirely 
disposed to assist the Pretender or any Popish interest.” “The 
Pretender scare blew over for the time, but many gentlemen 
and the great bulk of the people had openly taken their side. 


xXXVj INTRODUCTION. 


We can easily understand our poet's rage against the Cronins, 
father and son, from such recommendations as the following : 
—-“ I take leave to'ask,” wrote Hedges to Dawson, in 1711, 
“ for a license (to carry arms) for Darby Cronine, who, though 
a papist, has been employed by me for several years past, and 
took the oath of abjuration.” 

In a letter, dated the 28th of February, I712, addressed to 
Murtogh Grifhn, Hussey says:—“ The Rapps of Glenflesk, 
the sure refuge of all the thieves and tories of the country, are 
up by night and are guilty of all the violence and villanies 
imaginable, and it will be always so, till nine parts of ten 
of O'Donoghue's followers are proclaimed and hanged on 
gibbets upon the spott” “The untamable spirit of Timothy 
and Finneen O'Donoghue was a source of constant alarm to 
such time-servers as Hedges. To these were joined now, 
Francis Eagar, a Protestant, who had married their sister. On 
June the 48th, I714, Hedges writes :—“ Timothy and Florence 
(Finneen) O'Donoghue and Philip O'Sullivan, of Glenflesk, 
papists, have fire-arms and swords, as [ am credibly informed.” 

The death of Oueen Anne did not by any means diminish 
the strain to which Castle law was subjectin Kerry. Hedges, 
as yet unaware of the important event, writes on August Ath, 
I7I4, to Dawson :— 

“The Protestants of Killarney, besides those which are linked with 
the O'Donoghue, do not exceed a dosen; there are but four in the 
county adjacent.” 

He means no doubt families. [In a census taken by Philip 
Anderson, Clerk of the Commissioners of Array, in 1I692, the 
number of Protestants in Magomnihy is given as 82, while the 
Catholics number I587. Hedges goes on to say that the 
maegistrates are in terror of their persons, and far from putting 
the laws in force, and adds :'— 

“Old O”Donoghue told Mr. Griffin (a magistrate) to his face that he 


hoped soon to see the time when he and his would pull out his throat, 
and he often bragged that he had soo men at his command. 





INTRODUCTION. xXvI 


On the aard of August, the accession of George [. having 
become known, Hedges writes an account of his exertions to 
proclaim the new Sovereign. “The court leet began last 
Saturday at Killarney, and I hear the papists are taking the 
oaths of fidelity and allegiance to his majesty with seem- 
ing cheerfulness.” But he has only two names to mention. 
“Timothy Croneen and his son Darby Croneen, took the 
oath of allegiance, and took and subscribed the adjuracon 
oath the first day of the sessions.” Finneen O'Donoghue, he 
says, was the person he feared to be most troublesome, but it 
was satisfactory to learn from this íormidable opponent of 
unjust laws, that “about a dosxen gun barrels were lately 
wrought into reap-hooks by a smith in Glenflesk, which he 
was told were rusty old barrels found in a hollow tree.” 
O'Rahilly addresses one of his sweetest odes (XI.) to this 
Finneen O'Donoghue, and describes graphically the part he 
played in resisting the execution of the penal laws. 

Another power in the county at this period, but one 
of whom O'Rahilly speaks with distrust, was Domhnall 
O'Mahony, of Dunloe, with his formidable band of /á?7€44seés. 
In Ir7o6, the poet had soothed the ghost of John O'Mahony, 
Domhnall's father, with one of his splendid elegies (XIV.); 
but in Domhnall himself he reposed no confidence. He 
represents Cronin in the “Eachtra Thaidhg Dhuibh,” as 
empanelling a jury of the upstarts, and the first namc of the 
twelve is Domhnall O'Mahony, of Dunloe. “This personage 
seems to have been a real power in the county. He was a 
Catholic and tenant to the Earl of Shelbourne, but he had 
abjured the Pretender, and the number of his own subjects 
was estimated at “three thousand persons, all of the Pope's 
religion” He had disciplined his dependents as an army, 
ready at a moment's notice, to swoop down on the objects of 
his displeasure. If we may believe the evidence of Kennedy, 
guit-rent collector, only a do;sen of Mahony 's tenants were 
Leinster Protestants. “So may it please your Excie and 


XXVIII INTRODUCTION. 


Lopps,” adds Kennedy, “ the said Mahony and his mobb of 
Fairesses are so dreaded by his mighty power that noe Papist 
in the kingdom of Ireland hath the like.” 

Such were the scenes amid which our poet lived and sang. 
He watched his country, all torn and blood-stained, entering 
within the shadow of an inhuman persecution, and did not live 
to see her even partially emerge. He often connected his own 
hardships—notwithstanding his professon as o/&wye,—with 
those of his country, and traced both to the same source, 
and in his deathbed poem he bewails both together. He is 
beyond all others the poet of the ancient Irish Nobility, who 
despises upstarts, and gives no guarter to any man who sacri- 
ficed honour and faith for wealth and power. 

O'Rahilly was without guestion well educated ; and his 
knowledge of the classics is sufficiently attested by the 
classical guotations, and the allusions to classical topics to be 
found in his writings. He translated St. Donatus's Latin 
poem on [Ireland into Irish verse, but we regret that we have 
been unable to procure his version for this volume. “The 
extent of his knowledge of English we cannot accurately 
ascertain; but from allusions and guotations in his prose 
works, it would seem that he was at home in that language. 
His knowledge of Irish was unguestionably profound. His 
command of that tongue was such as natural genius alone, 
without extensive study, could not give, and has rarely if ever 
been egualled. A deep and intimate acguaintance with the 
Irish language is, O'Curry testifies, evinced by the “ Eachtra 
Chloinne Thomáis.” Nor can less be said of the lyrics and 
elegies printed in this volume. His familiarity with all the 
legendary lore that illumines the dawn of Irish history is 





! For a fuller picture of life in Kerry the reader is referred to the 
chapter entitled “Kerryin the Eighteenth Century,” in Miss Hickson's 
Oid Kerry &ecords, Second Series, on which the writer of the preced- 
ing account has largely drawn. 


INTRODUCTION. D& 


shown in his elegies, and must have been the result of wide 
reading and a tenacious memory. He had an ardent passion 
for genealogy, but differed from ordinary genealogists in this, 
that he guickened the dry bones of a pedigree with the life of 
poetry. We have already seen how an education could be 
procured in Kerry, even when school teaching was a serious 
crime against the law. Indeed Egan seems to have been the 
most learned o//,& of his day. His guaint account of the 
learned meetings in O'Callaghan 's house (X V.), where every 
great name in Europe came under discussion, cannot be con- 
sidered as exaggerated, if we remember that men like the 
poet himself were of the company. [Indeed, so highly did 
the popular voice esteem his genealogical talents, that even in 
our own days a guotation from one of his elegies has been 
regarded as proving a kinship between families. 

There is reason to believe that he was at first in good cir- 
cumstances ; but his poverty at the end of his life was extreme. 
It is hardly possible to read his death-bed poem (XXI.), to 
which allusion has been already made, without tears. Here 
he appears as one wanting help, and yet too proud to beg. 
He will not be seen at the doors of the new nobility. He 
laments the loss of the true chieftains in terms of matchless 
pathos. He had tried Sir Valentine Brown (VIII), but he 
was repulsed ; his “ Peana-nora haé ” must henceforth vainly 
weep Íor the generous nobles of the “Cane”-pPuil,”” In the 
poem on the “ Shoes,” with which he was presented by 
O'Donoghue Dubh (XVIII.), his soul appears overcast with 
the shadow of dire poverty. “The tone is subdued ; the 
humour is grim; and in the concluding lines he expresses 
openly his distress and desolateness. It was probably one 
of his latest poems. [It is remarkable in this great poet that 
the verses he produced in an old age of sorrow and poverty 
are morc fiery and vigorous than his earlier productions. 

After the lapse of nearly 20oo years, Egan's memory is 
fresh to-day in many parts of Munster, and would have been 


AIR IN'FRODUCTIOIN. 


far fresher and more vivid were it not that the language in 
which he wrote, and in which his witty sayings were recorded, 
has decayed throughout almost the entire province. 

Though little of biographical value has reached us con- 
cerning him, -still certain traits of his character have been 
placed in a strong light by oral tradition. It appears that 
affected simplicity Ííormed a strong feature of his character. 
He delighted in acting as a simpleton until he had secured his 
object, and then in impressing on the bystanders the success 
of his practical joke by making a display of his learning. On 
one occasion he entered a book-shop in Cork, and asked the 
price of the books that lay on the counter in a tone of voice 
and with a gesture that led the bookseller to imagine he was 
dealing with a íool. At length he asked with much timidity 
the price of a large expensive classical work exhibited there. 
The bookseller, with a look of pitying contempt, handed him 
the book, and said, “ Vou will get it for nothing if you can 
only read it” The poet took the book, and to confirm the 
seller in his error opened it, and held it before him with the 
pages inverted ; and, when the bargain had been duly ratified, 
set it properly before him and read it aloud with a facility that 
ama;ed the bystanders and confounded the bookseller, who 
perceived he had been made the victim of a practical joke. 

When he attended fairs, and on such public occasions, it is 
said that he usually wore a “sugan ” round his waist. Indeed, 
in onc of his prose satires, when describing the dress adopted 
by Clan Thomas, he appears to allude to this cincture. He 
delighted in passing for a foolish clown amongst the buyers 
from Cork and Limerick who freguented the fairs, and to 
whom he was known only by reputation. His constant reply 
to such strangers, if they happened to price his cattle, was, 
““coubaincs mo maéain liom san 3480 oo óíol san an méao. po,” 
and thus they were led to imagine that he was a mere 
instrument in the hands of an absent mother. 

On onc occasion a certain Limerick stranger, named Shink- 





INTRODUCTION. XXXI 


win, was completely deceived by his language and manner. 
Shinkwin, it seems, bought some cattle írom the poet, whom 
he regarded as a fool, and imagined from the replies to some 
guestions he asked that the cattle were in calf. Afterwards, 
as he passed along the street, he observed this “ fool” dis- 
cussing with great volubility and vehemence some guestions 
of history with a local gentleman. He inguired who that 
man was, and was told that he was Egan O'Rahilly. On 
hearing this—fíor the poet was well known by reputation 
throughout Munster—he exclaimed, o'pás pan ba san oáin as 
Sinmcín, “ that leaves Shinkwin with cows notin calf.” “This 
expression has passed into a proverb. 

O'Rahilly is also popularly remembered as an unrivalled 
satirist. He belonged to what Eoghan Ruadh O'Sullivan called 
“ Muintir Chainte” In a period of Irish history anterior to 
that we are considering, satirists were supposed to be able to 
raise three blisters on the individual whom they abused if he 
deserved the satire ; stories are told of our poet which attri- 
bute to his satire still greater power. [It is said that, like 
Archilochus of old, he killed a man by the venom of his satire, 
and that a fierce attempt was made to satirixe himself; that 
he laboured the livelong night to neutralise its effects ; and 
that when morning came he asked his daughter to look out 
and reconnoitre. The daughter brought word that some of 
his cattle had perished during thenight. The poet, on hearing 
this, said, “ bumóeacar le Oia an lá a óul onna ir nac onm-pa 
oo cudiíó ré.” “ Thank God ! the victory was gained over them 
and notover me.” This story is worth recording, as 1t proves 
how genuinely our poet rcpresents the ancient spirit of [rish 
literature. On reading the legend, one is carried in imagination 
to the days of Cuchulainn and Ferdiad, or of Cairbre and 
Breas. “There can be no doubt that Egan's power of vituper- 
ation was unrivalled. In his day, personal satire among [Irish 
bards was nothing better than eloguent rhythmical barging, 
often indulged in for the sake of displaying the scolding 


XXX INTRODUCTION. 


powers of the satirist. [n the case of our poet, we need not 
rest his claim as a master of abusive language on myxythical 
stories; an interesting specimen of his personal satire still 
exists. A poet of the MacCarthy family called Domhnall na 
Tuille, or “ Domhnall of the Flood,” whose patron was Tadhg 
an Duna, wrote a bitter attack on him, on what provocation 
we cannot say. O'Rahilly replied in a satire of greater 
bitterness still. We give O'Rahilly's reply in this volume 
(XXXVIII.). We believe it will be found interesting, as throw- 
ing some light on what our annalists say of [Irish satire. It 
certainly displays unbounded command of language. Whether 
this Rerce encounter was purely a trial of strength between 
the poets, we cannot determine. - MacCarthy's attack, which 
is somewhat coarse, dwells on O'Rahilly's mercenary spirit— 
how he will not write a poem without a large sum of money 
—but it is chiefly an attack on his person, so vague and 
exaggeerated, however, that it is impossible to draw any con- 
clusions from it regarding his appearance. 


IL-HIS WORÉEKS. 


O'Rahilly's works may be divided into three classes : 
Lyrics, Elegies, and Satires As, a. llyric. poet, he cdeseies 
a very high place. His pieces are short, often without regular 
order or seguencc of parts ; often, too, with a line or a clause 
thrown in to fill up space and keep the metre going, but the 
main thoughts come írom the heart, and throw themselves 
without apparent efíort into language of great beauty and 
precision. No idea foreign to the subject is obtruded on the 
reader's attention ; the whole seems produced in the heat of 
inspiration. “The rhythm is perfect, without tricks of style or 
metre. —“The poet's very soul seems poured out into his verse. 
Most of his lyrical pieces that have reached us are concerned 


INTRODUCTION. :ó-ó-aith 


with his country 's sufferings and wounds then bleedine fresh, 
the decay of her strength, the usurpation of her lands by 
foreigners, and the expulsion of the old nobility. His mind 
is never off this theme. “The energies which other poets de- 
voted to the praise of wine or woman, he spent in recounting 
the past glories and mourning over the present sorrows of his 
beloved land, whose history he had studied as few men have 
ever done, and whose miseries he beheld with the keen eye 
of genius, and felt íor with the warmth and sensibility of the 
most ardent of natures. 

His power as a lyric poet consists mainly in the strength 
of his passion, and in his unegualled pathos. One gets the 
idea from some of the shorter pieces, in which he depicts the 
bleeding and tortured condition of his country, that a very 
tempest of passion swept through the poet's soul. His 
paroxysms are fierce, vehement, and fitful. In such gusts he 
is often taken so far beyond himself, that when the storm is 
over he seems to forget the links that bound his thoughts 
together. He takes little trouble to present the reader with a 
finished whole, in which the various parts are joined together 
by easy natural links. He is only anxious to fix our attention 
on what-is great and striking, leaving minor matters to care 
for themselves. We can imagine a poet like Gray counting 
with scrupulous care the number of his lines, labouring his 
rhymes, and linking one verse to another, so as to form a 
homogeneous whole. Our poet seems to care little about the 
number of his lines, or such minor points. He is conscious 
that his thoughts, glowing hot, deserve attention, and he 
compels it. 

There are few pictures in poetry more pathetic than that 
drawn in “ The Merchant's Son “(III.). “The freguency with 
which wvisions of Ireland, cast into stereotyped form, were 
produced at a later date is calculated to create a prejudice in 
the mind of the reader against this poem. But the vision 
here described is altogether different from the common poetic 


VOL. II. e 


KAIY INTRODUCTION. 


reveries of the later poets. “The loveliness and grace of the 
maiden, her misfortunes, her trust in her absent deliverer and 
lover, her belief in his speedy arrival, the fidelity with which 
she clings to his love—all these create in our minds an intense 
interest in the distressed gueen. But our hearts melt to pity 
when she is described as looking, day after day, across the 
main, “ over wild, sand-mingled waves,” in the hope of catch- 
ing a glimpse of the promised fleet. Then the poet has a 
sudden and painful surprise in store for her and for us. “The 
hero she loved is dead. He died in Spain, and there is no 
onc to pity her. It is more than she can bear. Héer soul is 
wrenched from her body in terror at the word. [It is impos- 
sible to describe adeguately the power of this poem. It is 
ablare with passion, while the sudden terror of the concluding 
stan;a belongs to the sublime. 

O'Rahilly, as we have seen, lived at a time of supreme 
crisis in Irish history. “The pent-up passion of a suffering 
people finds expression in every line of that magnificent 
threnody, which stands second in this collection. Never, 
perhaps, since Jeremias sat by the wayside and chanted a 
mournful dirge over the ruin of Jerusalem, never were a 
nation's woes depicted with such vivid anguish and such 
passionate bursts of grief. We have no reason to suppose 
that the poet made a special study of Biblical literature ; yet 
it is impossible to read this outburst of fierce, intense passion 
without being reminded of passages in the writings of the 
Hebrew prophets, and especially of the Lamentations. “The 
similarity in thought, in intensity of feeling, in vigour of 
expression, in variety and simplicity of imagery, between this 
poem and the Lamentations is, we think, not due to conscious 
imitation. Ít is rather to be ascribed to the brooding of 
kindred spirits over subjects that had much in common. 

“ How doth the city sit solitary that was full of people! how is the 
mistress of the gentiles become a widow: the prince of provinces made 
tributary ! ””—LAM.i.:. 


INTRODUCTION. XXXV 


“ Weeping she hath wept in the night, and her tears are on her 
cheeks: there is none to comfort her amone all them that were dear 
to her.””—LAM. i. 2. 

“ My eyes have failed with weeping, my bowels are troubled : my 
liver is poured out upon the earth, forthe destruction of the daughter of 
my people, when the children, and the sucklings, fainted away in the 
streets of the city.”—LAM. ii. It. 

“ And from the daughter of Sion all her beauty is departed : her 
princes are become like rams that find no pastures: and they are gone 
away without strength before the face of the pursuer.”—LAM. 1. 6. 


Let these well-known verses be compared with the first 
three poems and the twenty-first of this collection, as well 
as with many passages in the elegies, and we think it will 
appear that our poet in vigour of expression, in majesty 
and simplicity óf imagery, in melting pathos, may claim 
Kkinship with the greatest writers of all time. 

The Elegies difíer in style and metre írom the Lyrics. They 
are death-songs íor distinguished persons. The poet soothes 
every sorrow. He remembers every friend ; the wife, the 
sister, the helpless orphan, the weeping father and mother, the 
famished poor mourning at the gate with no one to break 
them bread. He brings before our eyes the house, wont to be 
so gay, now cold and comfortless and still with the melancholy 
silence of death. 

There is something exguisitely affécting in the tender 
names which O'Rahilly applies to the deceased : a fountain of 
milk to the weak, their Cuchulainn in a hostile gathering, the 
guard of their houses and flocks. But, in spite of their tender- 
ness, too-íreguentrepetition palls. There is too much sameness 
in the drapery of his grief. Nature mourns, the hills are rent 
asunder, there is a dull mist in the heavens. Such are “the 
trappings and the suits of woe ” that he constantly employs. 

The use made of the Greek and Roman deities is, however, 
to modern critics, the greatest blemish in these compositions. 
Pan and Jupiter, Juno and Pallas, give the renowned infant a, 


óa/Ptisan the giíts peculiar tothemselves. The elegy on Captain 
c 2 


xxXXVi INTRODUCTION. 


O'Leary (XX [I.), in spite of these faults, is a beautiful poem. 
The elegy on O'Callaghan (XV. and XVI.) is, perhaps, the 
most finished production of the author. But the least faulty 
and most affectinge of all the elegies is, without doubt, that on 
Cronin's three children, who were drowned (X II.). “The rhythm 
is exguisite, and the beautiful metre is that employed in 
O'Neaghtan's lament for Mary of Modena. 

As a prose satirist, O'Rahilly belongs to the same school 
as Swiít. His invention is daring ; he indulges in minute 
descriptions, and delights in the most harassing and disgust- 
ing details, provided they serve his purpose. He is the 
author of three coarse, fierce prose satires—the “ Eachtra Chlo- 
inne Thomáis,” the “ Parliament Chloinne Thomáis,” and the 
“ Eachtra Thaidg Dhuibh.” The two íormer are given anony- 
mously in the manuscripts ; but their similarity in thought 
and language to the latter, and the allusions to them to be 
found in the lyrics, leave no doubt that O'Rahilly was the 
author ; and they were attributed to him by the universal 
belief in Munster as late as I840, as O'Curry testines. In 
execution, in plot, in the management of details, in strength of 
expression, in command of language, these works stand high; 
and the strong light they throw on Irish history gives them 
peculiar importance. “ Clan Thomas,” a breed of semi-satanic 
origin, full of pride and avariíice, whose morals and language do 
Justice to their parentage, are doomed for generations to be 
the slaves of the nobles in Ireland ; but they watch every 
opportunity of throwing ofí the yoke. “They are essentially a 
gens rusííca. In reading their sguabbles, their foolish conflicts 
on guestions of ancestry, down through the ages, we feel that 
we are getting a vivid glimpse of the brawls, the disunion, the 
traitorism of a certain species of [rishman that has ever been 
a íoul stain on the pages of Irish history. “The poet, with pecu- 
liar pleasure, ridicules their love of lisping in an English 
accent, and of being taken notice of by English nobles. “The 
author takes us through the minutest particulars of a scolding 





INTRODUCTION. XXXVH 


match, or a meetine, or a feast, taking care that we in the 
meantime conceive a perfect loathing for the actors in these 
petty dramas. We stand and look on as they devour their 
meals, we hear the noise made by the fluids they drink as 
they descend their throats, we listen to their low oaths and 
foolish swagger about their high lineage, and we turn away in 
disgust. Surely the upstart or the snob was never elsewhere 
delineated in such vivid colours. 

With a literature such as this, there was little danger 
that the Irish people as a whole, much less the people of 
the southern province, would suffer the canker of slavery to 
eat into their souls. “his literature, ever appealing to the 
glories of the past, ever stinging with keen sarcasm those who 
attempted to supplant the rightful heirs of Irish soil, ever 
taunting the oppressor with his cruelty and treachery, kept 
alive in the Irish heart, to use the words of Burke, “ even in 
servitude itself, the spirit of an exalted freedom.” “The mission 
of the Irish o/4?u/ in those troubled days, and in the dark 
night of the penal times which followed, was to proclaim in 
words of fire the injustice that was being committed, to divert 
the people s attention from present troubles by pointing to a 
g]lorious past, and, lest they should fall into despair, to kindle 
hopes of future deliverance. Our o(/e/'s strain is sad, and 
infinitely tender, but withal bold and uncompromising. He 
is an ardent admirer of the great Irish families that stretch 
back through our history into the twilight of legend; he isa 
believer in aristocracy ; but his fiercest invectives are poured 
out against those who in the stress of a national crisis purchase 
a vulgar upstart nobility at the cost of honour and virtue. 

In estimating O'Rahilly 's place in literature it must be re- 
membered that Irish literature continued in a state of almost 
complete isolation down to its total extinction at the beginning 
ofthe present century. Í[timitated no foreign models. It did not 
compete for the ear of Europe with any neighbouring literature. 
It was little influenced by the invention of printing, or by the 


XXII INTRODUCTION. 


revival of learning in Europe. “The number of books printed 
in the Irish language írom the middle of the sixteenth to the 
middle of the nineteenth century would hardly more than nl1I 
a school-boy's box ; and of these none were on general litera- 
ture. The desire for learning íor which the Irish race was 
proverbial, during these centuries of strain, operated as by a 
kind of instinct mainly in two directions : the attainment of 
priestly orders, and the cultivation of national history and 
poetry. Even writers learned in classical and foreign litera- 
ture showed little inclination to adopt a foreign style. Keating 
was undoubtedly a man of broad learning, and gifted with a 
' vivid imagination ; but he wrote poetry not in the style of 
Vireil or Dante, nor yet of Ronsard or Spenser, but as the 
Irish poets who preceded him. O'Rahilly, though some 
eighty years later than Keatine, is more truly [Irish still, in 
style, in thought, in metre. 

The reader must not, therefore, be surprised to find in our 
authors poems a freshness, a simplicity, a vigour, that savour 
oí the Homeric age. “The descriptions of life in O'Callaghan's 
house (X V.), or in that of Warner (X.), have something of the 
old-world charm of the O“yssev,. It would be uncritical to 
judge this poet according to the canons of taste accepted by the 
nations of modern Europe. He is a survival of the antigue, in 
thought, in style, in metre, in spirit. His spirit is as strong, 
as fresh, as vigorous, and olden, as the language in which he 
wrote, as the race whose oppression he depicted ; it is soft 
and glowing as the summer verdure of his native lake-lands; 
it is melancholy as the voice of the storm-vexed Tonn Tóime 
that disturbed his rest on that night when in poverty and 
loneliness he lay in bed weaving verses destined to be im- 
mortal (VII.). 


INSTRODUCTION. XXX1IX 


III—METRIC. 





In the poems we are considering (with few exceptions) 
SÍYy€55 AnÓ SUIT AY1ÍV 0 0Ú SOMNÁS 1n COYreshonding $Síressed 
sy[laóios are the fundanentaí mneivscal jrincihle. Certain root 
syllables receive a $?ess as each line is pronounced, and 
covreséonding lines have a like number of stresses. We call 
the set of stressed vowel sounds in a line, or stan/£a, or poem, 
the s/7ess-fyraine of that line, or stan;a, or poem. We under- 
stand the stress-frame to consist OÍ 702064 $0(0CÍS 2. their 
wmnodífieal staiíe. We call each stressed vowel sound a s/“ess- 
óearey. It is convenient sometimes to speak of & $y(/2ó4/e 
COnÍAInINg & SÍ ressedl UosÚel as a síress-óearev. AA diphthong 
or triphthong is similar to a single vowel when the sound of 
that vowel is the &7?evac/ng sound of the diphthong or 
triphthong. Syllables that contain identical or similar 
vowel sounds are $2772/27 ; thus sleó and aó are similar, also 
ngao! and lí; thus, too, reómna and cóipin (XX. n3) have their 
first syllables similar, o being attenuated or thinned in both ; 
also ríol and clanóim (XVI. 36—38) where the common vowel 
sound is ee as in /y?ee. Stresses and stress-bearers €077€899070/ 
in two lines when they occur in the same order, beginning 
with the first stress in each. Lines are similar when their 
corresponding stresses fall upon similar syllables, or when 
their corresponding stress-bearers are identical. When all 
the lines in a stan;a, or poem, are similar, the stan;a or 
poem is said to be /o?sogeneows. AA stress is said to “w/e the 
syllables which are pronounced with dependence on it, and 
these may be taken to be the syllable on which it falls, 
and the swcceedáing syllables as far as the next stress, or to 
the end of the line in the case of the final stress. “The 
initial stress OÍ a line may also rule one or more antecedent 
syllables. 


xl INTRODUCTION. 


The final stress-bearer plays an important part in the 
melocy of a. line, and' a the ease, of cerlaaimhmeires, the 
penultimate stress-bearer also: 

For purposes of analysis we use the following notation :— 


á represents ain cas, sounded like o in co/ (nearly). 
a 


So ór, pé, - gu 1 sg “07016: 
au - ds od, w so. (12), G009h/a 
é 35 ei ,, beió, 36 3 TA sg IOC5: 
e - sos?ibí; t BC so 77663 
Í 9 1 ,, T19, ,)? i 3 Sn, 
i sh e4 ,, Peióm, SS re re (neam: 
ia a mana, Peil, nó CD dd LS T018 
ó á son, - a LHR0 a III 
ou di 0... lom. 5 a. 0210. RO, 
ú b5 U. ;, cun, 5 Sa AH IS 
u Sh (so cúil, - om 00 Sa 87007; 
ua 5 UL, Pliáin, - mi 15, (rúant (but shortei), 


These are the chief unattenuated or otherwise unmodified 
stress-bearing vowel sounds met with in Irish poetry, some 
of them, such as í, é, etc., cannot be attenuated or thinned. 

In all the poems we are considering similar lines in the 
samc stan;a, and generally throughout the same poem, have 
their final stress-bearers identical. We speak of an A-poem, 
or an E-poem, etc., according as any of these vowel sounds 
is the final stress-bearer throughout a homogeneous poem. 
Not every vowel sound in the table given above is used as 
the final stress-bearer for a homogeneous poem, and the most 
common final stress-bearers are a,e,o,ua. In our analysis 
we mark final stress-bearers by capitals. In poems in which 
alternate lines are similar, it is convenient to regard the final 
stress-bearer of the even lines only as characterising the poem. 
The penultimate stress in poems, in which it rules but one 





& Munster. 





INTRODUCTION. xh 


syllable, becomes as important as the final stress. “The initial 
stress of a line often falls on an undecided vowel-sound, and 
often rules the greatest number of syllables. In the following 
analysis we place a horisontal stroke above the vowel, or 
combination of vowels, on which the stress falls, and use a 
slanting accent-mark, pointing, as far as is possible, to the 
vowel whose sound prevails in the stressed syllable. Ordinary 
accent marks are omitted to avoid confusion. 

The metres we are considering may be divided into 
Elegiac and Lyrical metres. 


Wegaac AMTetres. 


We begin with the Elegiac stan;a which is the metrical type 
of a large number of poems in this volume. It consists of four 
verses or lines. Each verse normally contains nine syllables, 
ruled by four stresses. The even syllables contain stress- 
bearers. “The second and third stress-bearers, at least, are 
similar. “There are often only eight syllables, in which case 
the odd syllables contain stress-bearers. Freguently one or 
more of the stresses rule an extra syllable. “The final stress 
always rules two only. Hence the number of syllables varies 
from eight to eleven. The following lines illustrate the 
variation in the number of syllables — 


, , 


i) cmnpo simia oon cin cu ain peoógaó. 8 syllables, 
(2) Chéoim Oid 50 tan ao? éomhain-. 8 syllables. 
(3) On ouna cap oo ona an cis, og syllables. 
(4) Sol na one lean h-oitenú cugo” ise. Io syllables. 


(s) Ca rpsaem mna b-plaéear man laraó man loónann. 
In syllables. 


(6) TRonuan a éGáée ao pmmnail 'ran b-posmhan. ni syllables. 


xla INTRODUCTION. 


Marking by a short horisontal stroke the unstressed 
syllables, the stress-frames of these lines are :— 


(s) i ms gi ig im MÓINE 
(2) Se sia so ia Si Im 
[ach aiinsbae saisímiaa8.., SINN 
(4) Bas suio tatira cail ó os Ailt 
(ge ivigaiiTíseih Blfonenoogahecinn eiÉáNm 
(óna im si ibhleaisir ii SHOim 


The following stanaa is in regular Elegiac metre, and is a 
faint imitation of the poet's manner :— 
I wéep my héro pléasing, pátient, 
The friénd of péace, the glée of the nátion, 


Whose vóice was swéet, whose chéek was rádiant, 
Whose sóul was frée, whose féats were fámous. 


The sívess-frame IS, 

(é Sgiee chnog 
with the 8irst stress-bearer variable. 

In the Eleeiac stan;a difíerent lines are not necessafily 
similar, but have always their final stress-bearers similar. 
The final stress-bearers of the lines in different stan;as must 
be similar, and are similar in all the poems in Elegiac metre 
in this volume. 


fyvyacal WM eires. 


The five-stressed verse in which I. is composed is typical 
of a large amount of the poetry in this volume. It is suited 
to serious and meditative subjects. In it are composed L., 
IV. XXI XI LL AU IIL LUV, Each in this 
metre is divided into stansas of four verses each. Each verse 
has five stresses. The final stress rules two syllables, the 
penultimate but one. Each stan;a is homogeneous ; and, 
though this be not essential, each poem is also homogeneous. 





INTRODUCTION. xln 


The $8rst stana/2a of [. bears its stresses thus : 


Ir spuiiheeie sean liom chéaosa mm File 


Eo rsamal so oaon 'pa scolca ei. bromisee 
Na cpanna ba enewme as tEnucan oin ooib-pin 


Oo Smaana a hanasn 'rpa suameaimia cnin-peoisce. 


The stress-frame is, 
Chsairaiei “Ó; 
markinge the unstressed syllables as above, we have 


FEAR H ease sr na sii, La (Oir as) sb, 
The following English stan;a has been composed to 
illustrate this metre. [It is constructed on the stress-íframe of 
L., and follows much the same line of thought :'— 


In sórrow and cháins we pláin like Greéce ólden, 
By fóreigners sláin in gráves our chíefs móulder, 
Misfórtune and cáre awáit each frée sóldier, 
While cóffin-ships béar our bráve the séas óver. 


L is, then, a five-stressed homogeneous O-poem. 
IV. is in the same metre, but with a different stress-frame 
It is a five-stressed homogeneous U A-poem thus: 


Sile na aile oo éonnanec-pa ain rise a n-uaisnearl, 
binmop. an bimmrp a pPniocal nán ópion-ánuamócd, 


Glighoal an Seinn a Buinone pninn-uaine, 
green ir Finne as Eiannao 'na Saiisnnannaaib, 
“The stress-frame is, 
Go  TEADA4 
or marking the unstressed syllables as before, 
Go i,coTA)t cjein Aí iehsrywil Bhoóieohal 


xliv INTRODUCTION. 


Here, it will be noted, the first three stresses rule each three 
syllables, the fourth one, and the final two. “The other metres 
we have to examine are less freguently employed. 

VL. is guite a miracle of sound. [t is a homogeneous 
nine-stressed A-poem. The last three syllables of each line 
have a stress. each. The first ne “bears. acsiisiresses, as 
follows :— 


, Sr ui AR Sr Sr han 
Cuphna meabuil o'acill m'anam preal san capa preana 
, , 
cm cneio. 
The stress frame is, 


h4 w h4 


(go Famnas ammhooara: ou & A)a4, 


or marking the unstressed syllables, 
(iú jig reh Bl; ii aca mai onHE) CINN 

In each line we have the system á á thrice repeated, and 
three other distinct stress-bearers to close the line. It should 
be observed that the eighth stress is slight, but falls on 
syllables that are similar. 

In XII. the alternate lines are similar. The first two lines 
bear their stresses thus— 


Oo seip an Ré Tilon oo naobaó a peol 
Oo leunaó a peun pin oo bleapa cis an bnpoin 
The stress-frame for the first stan/7a is, 


Íaí ao 
ta war Wa 


áil 
! 
Sí 
CI 
——” 
Ho] 


or marking unstressed syllables, 


Shea áseire a oi ail 
[ si Taifiiiiaotsh ca S ait 
The beauty of this system consists partly in the alterna- 
tion of the similar lines, and partly in the division of all the 


le]! 
i 
a 
I 
I 


INTRODUCTION. xlv 


odd lines into two egual parts ; besides there are only two 
stress-bearing sounds in the entire stan£a (á and o), while in 
the even lines the a sound predominates. It is a four-stressed 
O-poem. 

In IIL. each stan?a ends with the same word except the 
last, which, however, ends in a word having a similar syllable 
to the final stress-bearer of the others. [It is a seven-stressed 
Á-poem, but each line has its own separate stress-frame, and 
no two consecutive lines have the same stress-íframe, with 
but few exceptions, such as the first two lines. “The first line 
runs — 


Ciplins seun oo óeancar pein am” leabaió 'p me ao las- 
bníoáac. 
Thus, there are seven stresses in each line; the stress- 
frame is 


Iss) 
ia 
is) 
ia 
poc 
8 
p 


or markinge the unstressed syllables, 
SAS Ciall GC IADs Siaaibú CSO) ia ah UA ii 
The stress-frame of each line is divided into three egual 
parts, omitting the final stress-bearer. [n this sense only is 
the poem homogeneous. Each long line may thus be divided 
into four short ones, the three first s27722/27, and the fourth 


similar to the fourth of the next long line. “Thus divided the 
first line would stand, 


chnis seun 
Oo Beantan aa 
am” ieabein 'T “- 
óo I aran 
The “binding” stan;a is generally in a different metre 


from the poem it concludes. [t is supposed to summarise the 
chief ideas of the poem. The metaphor is taken from the 


xlwa INTRODUCTION. 


óinding of a sheaf of corn. The “binding ” stan;a to II. 
deserves a separate analysis. 


Tho sneaoaó bpoin na onáadim ónooga paaince on s-ció 
Tr na 5alla mopa a leabaió an leosan 'pan m-blannain áil 


5ac aicme “an Se len Nie ma fon man caio san éíon 
Cua seal SS me ain Saibiii sense 'an —- am 
The stress-frame is, 

(a ra; “asa as I) 


or marlkine the unstressed syllables, 


(SA —cas os Ao mg. mo oi ail aH 

This is a six-stressed homogeneous Í-stansa. The system 
4 6 (containing two sounds in sharp contrast) is repeated in 
each line, and each line closes with two vowel sounds also in 
sharp contrast, but in reversed order. In the beginning of 
the line the long vowel follows the short; at the end the short 
vowel follows the long. “The result is, apart írom words, 
most pathetic. 

XXXVIII. has a remarkable metrical arrangement. The 
lines are seven-stressed. “The first stansa is a seven-stressed 
homogeneous E-stansa. “The final stress rules three syllables 
as do also the second, fourth, and sixth stresses. 

The first line runs — 


beannpao piopaaisce seannpPao ipíionna an ónapais 
pmulcaine éneiceancans ; 
and the stress-framce is, 


(au. 4. ag oeaussú;. (Ajs4: 
or taking account of the unstressed syllables, 


(an — ós hiad sell itir soil IN ha 





INTRODUCTION. xlva 


The sixth stress-bearer difíers slightly from the second 
and fourth. I this difference be overlooked”——as it may, 
since the even stress-bearers are short, sharp sounds—the 
stress-frame of the line is divided into three egual parts, 
omitting the final stress-bearer. -—“The second stan;a is 
homogeneous and is more regular than the first ; it is also an 
A-stan;a. “he stress-frame is 

fola as as Sia, 1 AA; 
or taking account of the unstressed syllables, 

BI ha ES ne sea se GO ma so Ais ar, 
where the odd stresses rule each three syllables, and the even 
stresses two. 

The other stan;as are not homogeneous, but each line has 
a stress-frame divided into three egual parts of two vowel 
sounds each, omitting the final stress-bearer. Here and 
there, however, there are irregularities. 

The first two of the stansas that compose the “ Epitaph ” 
in XXII. constitute a four-stressed homogeneous U-poem of 
exguisite harmony. “The first line runs — 


(ca se ain na iamh ir am binn Bui 
“The stress-frame is, 
(a ia. a, U). a, 
or taking account of the unstressed syllables, 
CGaitdian sh sooid cas ciiaiesy IU1)“4 


The three last stan;as of the same “ Epitaph “” constitute 
a five-stressed homogeneous U-poem. A typical line is— 


á FE , 


CGn cpear óo píomaim oiob pm oob eaócac ponn 
'The stress-frame is, 


Ghoieiia, aii] Ós 


xlwin INTRODUCTION. 
or taking account of the unstressed syllables, 
(a Ehg pi IGaishnaes San 


In the last line of the poem, 


Caipa a los paoio' ólab "pp meala óuinn, 
the third stress falls on a preposition, while the word chlab is 
passed lightly over. 
The “iBindine” to. LIV, gs a complete ye. mcesele, li 
is a six-stressed homogeneous A-poem. 
The 8rst line runs — 
0 Daimnníosain na m-bainmoscaimn "pa maipe na m-be. 
“The stress-framc is, 
(ónmaei om Hieha A) 4, 
or taking account of the unstressed syllables, 
(eeous “ee a OIL Sie ass ROIS as ama 
The system ou e, is repeated in each line; but it should 
be observed that the second and fourth stresses are slight. 
XLVIII. is a seven-stressed homogeneous Á-poem. The 
nirst line is, 


MH Frainein Saill ouimn mun sigeaais a nem aa 

The stress-framec is, 
! (á, ig mg oilean bha 
or talking account of unstressed syllables, 

Chian mhir meaanh AAA 

Here, it will be observed, seven out of ten syllables are 
stressed, and of these stresses the last six are on consecutive 
syllables ; besides, the system € u is repeated. 

The two first lines of XX 1X. are, 


0 beanta san psamal oo ime -éun me a a- “eat 


, 


Giro liom san FóBhs so n-npíoo mo pool, 








INTRODUCTION. xlhix 


It consists of stan;as of eight lines Coala The stress- 
framc, therefore, is, 


SROmN SA Úra naoi, 
Na a ohHúinGiúicó 


or marking the unstressed syllables, 


asainn 
I 
aoí 
I 
gc 
I 
I 
gó 
I 
Is$i4 


Si IEA aHL Sh sn no a Ó I - 

It will be observed that the system a á occurs three times 
in succession in each typical pair of lines. In systems like 
this, it is convenient to regard the final stress-bearer of the 
even lines as charactering the poem. 

XXX. closely resembles XX IX. in metrical structure, but 
the even lines are shorter. “The stress-frame is, 


Ei HAE fin CILAN 
Gami “His I “it 


here the system e€ u occurs thrice in succession, and together 
with the sharp sound [ as final stress- bearer, constitute the 
entire stress-írame. 

LI. consists of stan?;as of eleven lines each. The third, 
sixth, and eleventh lines are similar, as are the eight others. 
There are four stresses in each line. “The stress-frame for the 
eight similar lines is, 

(isinai AdHaí 
and for the three other similar lines, 
(econ abh i: 


These systems alternate regularly throughout. 


S|/S;ilerafíon, 


In these poems alliteration—sso much used by the 
eighteenth-century poets—is by no means conspicuous. 
It occurs in phrases like comóalca cléib (XIII. 6r), bnáióne 
bneaca (III. 25), PIoT Piorac (IV. o), care caoin ciúin 

YOL. III. d 


1 INTRODUCTION. 


(VIII. 2). In the lyrics we do not often come upon couplets 
like :'— 
(t s-ceannap na S-ch1oC a-ógoimn 8a-cluóan a-cuanac s-cam 
Óo oealb a o-cin o-ouimneac níon buan mo olann (VII. 8, 8). 


In the Elegiacs there are not many lines like the follow- 
ing — 

Ón rsáó nom pseannab peansa póinne (XIII. o). 

Ón m-báo án m-banc án maire án m-beóóaóc (XIII. r6). 

(n oanpa cáp oo cnáió an ceóise (XIII. 885). 

We have now analysed the principal metrical systems 
used in this volume, and though our analysis is not ex- 
haustive, it will, we trust, prove sufficient to direct the 
reader's attention to what will prove a fascinating study. A 
few poems in this volume are composed in what are called 
Classical metres, but as the structure of these metres is well 
known, we need not dwell on them here.” 


IV.——THE ELEGV AND MOURNING FOR 
dli) 1D)19usu|D), 


As many poems in this collection are Eleeies or death- 
“songs for persons of distinction, it may be well to give some 
account of this species of composition, and of the mourning 
for the dead, as practised írom time immemorial in Ireland. 

At the wakes of the well-to-do classes a professional 
mourner was employed to chant the virtues of the dead as 
well as to console the survivine friends. “The mourner seems 
to have been generally a woman, gifted with a plaintive voice, 
and able to put her thoughts into verse without much pre- 


“The reader will find a short account of some of the metres discussed here, 
in O'Mulloy's Grarmnatca fatino-fTibernaca, A.p. 1667. 





INTRODUCTION. h 


meditation. The ee c/eosnteé, as she was called in Munster,was 
in constant attendance during the time that elapsed between 
the formal laying-out of the corpse for waking and the burial. 
Other mourners came and went in groups. - Some came from 
a distance, and, on entering the house of death, set up a loud 
wail, which they continued all together over the corpse for 
some time. —[t is not easy to imagine anything more solemn 
and plaintive than this wail. Some, indeed, joined in it who 
felt no natural sorrow for the dead ; but even these had griefs 
of their own which gave sincerity to their mourning once the 
flood-gates of sorrow were open. “The men seldom joined in 
the funeral chorus, and only those whose near connexion with 
the dead inspired real sorrow, or who were specially gifted 
with a wailing voice. “The óeaw c/aointe often filled up the 
interval between successive wailings by chanting an extem- 
porec dirge in praise of the dead, or of his living relations, or in 
denunciation of his enemies. “These dirges, which not unfre- 
freguently reached a high pitch of pathos and eloguence, were 
eagerly listened to, and treasured in the memory. Sometimes 
there were two such mourners, each introduced by one of the 
factions into which a family was too often divided. “They 
used to pour forth their mutual recriminations in verse, often 
oÍ great point and satire, on behalf of the faction they repre- 
sented ; so that sometimes the eg C€/7027/€ became a ean 
cháinte. “The following snatch of dialogue will illustrate 
the brilliancy of extempore repartee that these mutual recri- 
minations sometimes attained. A young husband, intensely 
disliked by his wife's relations, is dead. “There is a ear 
chaointe on each side. “The husband's óeag caointe begins 
thus — 

To ónáó óu ar mo éóaióníom, 

(4 6aol na b-pean ná maineann, 

Oo cuala péin ar n'éeaca 

óo9 m-báócaóe muc a m-baimne, 

'Oin óá éeaoaoin eannas 

4 o-cas8 oo máéóan asur c'aéóan. 

d2 


lu INTRODUCTION. 


The opposing óeay c/aosnte on behalf of the wife's kinsfolk 
replies :— 

Níon muc é aóc banb, 
'S ní naib re o'aoir aóc preaócTmhain, 
'S ní naibb an caléin painrna, 

“18 ní naib an rcalpán ognaiíon. 

These verses are thus translated :— 

My love art thou and my delight, 
Thou Kkinsman of the dead men, 

I myself heard, though I did not see, 
That a pig would be drowned in milk, 
Between two Wednesdagss in Spring, 
In the home of thy father and thy mother. 

To which the reply is — 

It was not a pig, but a ó427ó, 

And it was only a week old, 

And it was not wide—the cee/ey, 

And it was not fastened”—the hurdle-door. 

The first mourner dwells on the affluence that existed in 
the parental home of the deceased, and guotes an instance to 
prove it. In the spring, when milk is scarce, so abundant was 
that fluid that a pig was drownedinit. The representative of 
the other side does not deny the fact, but so extenuates it as 
to make any boast about it ridiculous ; even the sce/?aéir—a 
bundle of rods as a substitute íor a door—was not well fas- 
tened. Sometimes a near relative of the deceased was óegy 
chaointe ; and here genuine sorrow would often produce a 
strain of great pathos. Similes like the following would be 
thrown out in the ecstasy of grief :— 

((cá mo ónoióe pá rmúio, 
Thamn a beaó alar am pcnú, 
'S so naóaó an eoécain amúóaop. 
'S ná leaseaprpaó oileán na b-Piíonn. 
My heart is oppressed with grief, 
As a lock in screw (that is, a spring-lock) 
When the key has been lost, 
And the Island of the Fianna could not cure it. 
The lamentation of the ea; c/eosnfe was called a caosne, 


EE i—————aaw"—"—w.—“““."nnnnww.wunnwvw“w““mmma——s 


INTRODUCTION. ha 


or keene. It was generally in a short[metre, as the above 
specimens. 
Oí the same nature as the ceo;we, but far more dignified as 
a species of composition, was the A/a4ró/;we, or Elegy. It 
generally supposed the burial to have already taken place, and 
was usually composed by a poet in some way connected with 
the family of the deceased. “The A/74r“vé/eae was cultivated in 
every age of Irish Literature of which we have any record. 
The Lament attributed to Olliol Olum for his seven sons 
who fell in the battle of Magh Macroimhe, and Lament of 
King Niall, and the famous Lament of Deirdre over the sons 
olaijsnach are early examples: In“ Cormacis, Glossary 
under the word Gayy2£ is a citation from a 7?aró/naa composed 
by Colman íor Cuimine Fota, the Patron Saint of Cloyne, 
whose death took place in 66r A.D. It is translated by 
O'Donovan as follows :— 
He was not more bishop than King, 
My Cuimin was son of a Iord, 
Lamp of Erin for his learning, 
He was beautiful, as all have heard, 
Good his Kkindred, good his shape, 
Extensive were his reiatives, 
Descendant of Coirpri, descendant of Corc, 
He was learned, noble, illustrious, 
Alas he is dead in the month of Gam, 
But 'tis no cause of grief! ”Tisnot to death he has gone. 
This extract runs on the same lines as the modern Elegies. 
In Hardiman/s “ Irish Minstrelsy” several beautiful Elegies 
are given, such as Torna's Lament for Corc and Niall, and 
Seanchan's Lament over the dead body of Dallam. During 
the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, both in Ireland and 
Scotland, the Elegy became one of the most extensive and 
important species of verse. [ndeed, the trouble and sorrow of 
these ages were calculated to foster its plaintive melody, and 
almost every distinguished Irish poet during this period had 
composed elegies. “There is an almost inevitable sameness 


hv INTRODUCTION. 


about the structure of those that have been preserved ; for, as 
the idea is ancient, so is the machinery employed. “The great 
heroes of Irish history are marshalled afresh as kinsmen of 
the deceased : Conn, Cuchulainn, Feargus, Niall, and Cairbre ; 
the great Norman families and the older Celtic chieftains are 
also enumerated. But one peculiar charm of this species of 
composition, all over Ireland, comes from the 7; se, fairy 
women, who have “a local habitation and a name,” and are 
wont to lament the Milesian families in sweet and doleful 
numbers. “Thus, in several accounts of the battle of Clontarf, 
Aoibhill, the fairy lady of Carrigliath, near Killaloe, the 227s/ee 
of the Dalcassians, is made to wrap Dunlaing O'Hartigan in 
a fairy cloud, to hinder him going to the battle. Dunlaing, 
however, succeeds in joining Murchadh, whose attendant he 
was. His explanation of his delay leads to an interview 
between Aoibhill and Murchadh, in which the fairy predicted, 
in verse, the fall of Brian, of Murchadh, and of many of the 
chiefs of the Dalcassian army. 

But the most celebrated of all such fairy ladies is Cliodhna, 
whose principal palace was situated at Carrig Cliodhna, or 
Cliodhna's Rock, in the parish of Kilshanick and barony of 
Duhallow. In Glandore Harbour she is supposed to wail for 
the demise of her favourite chieftains. [In this harbour there 
is still a very remarkable moan heard in the caverns of the 
rocks, when the wind is north-east off the shore. It is slow, 
continuous, and mournful,and can be heard ata great distance ; 
it is the prelude to an approaching storm, and is called Tonn 
Cliodhna,or Cliodhna's Wave. Swift gives us a description of 
the storm in this harbour :'— | 

Sed cum saevit hyems et venti, carcere rupto, 
Immensos volvunt fluctus ad culmina montis, 
Non obsessae arces non fulmina vindice dextra 
Missa Iovis guoties inimicas saevwit in urbes, 


Exaeguunt sonitum undarum veniente procella, 


Littora littoribus reboant. 
5902/7£'s WVor&s, vol. xv1., p. 302. 


INTRODUCTION. I 


There are two other natural mourners on our Irish coasts: 
Tonn Tuaithe, ofí the coast of Antrim, and Tonn Rudhraighe, 
in Dundrum Bay, Co. Down. [[Indeed, most of the [Irish rivers 
are pressed into the chorus of lamentation by the Elegiac 
poets. Besides Aoibhill and Cliodhna, there are Aine of Cnoc 
Aine, Una of Durlus Eilge, Grian of Cnoc Greine, Eibhlinn of 
Sliabh Fuaidh. In our poem XXX CV. there is given a list 
of these amiable beings. In Keating's Elegy for the Lord of 
the Decies (A.p. I626), Cliodhna, the chief mourner, is made to 
períorm a most extraordinary circuit, which takes a week to 
accomplish. She visits all the fairy palaces in the country 
and weeps aíresh at each. In some of O'Rahilly's elegies the 
various local fairy ladies are set lamenting all at once, Cliodhna 
leading ofí, and giving iníormation about the kindred of 
the deceased. In poems XV. and XVI. there is a strange 
combination of the native and the classical mythologies not 
uncommon in the poetics of the last two centuries, while 
Jupiter asks Cliodhna to draw up the pedigree of O'Callaghan. 

But the banshee is not content to await the death of her 
favourite chieftains ; she gives them warning when any great 
sickness is to end in death. “ No doubt can for a moment be 
entertained,” says Dr. O'Donovan, “of the fact, that a most 
Piteous wailing is heard shortly before the dissolution of the 
members of some families.”— &Á7/€€77Y S|7CEOÍOgCAÍ JOY NI, 
I850, p. I20. [t is remarkable that in poem XXX V., which is 
elegiac in form, O'Rahilly represents the we si /e as lament- 
ing, not the death of a chieftain, but his being deprived of his 
lands, and banished. 


Ia INTRODUCTION. 


V.—— THE MANUSCRIPTS AND LANGUAGE OF 
THE EOEAMS, 


The principal sources of the text of the poems in this 
volume are the MSS. in the Libraries of the Royal Irish 
Academy (R.I.A.), Maynooth College, British Museum (B.M.), 
King's Inns, and the O'Curry Collection, Clonliffe College (C). 
The Maynooth Collection consists of the Murphy (M) and 
the Renehan (R) MSS. —The followine list gives most of the 
MSS. consulted for the various poems. “These are indicated 
by Roman numerals :— 


I. RI A.r23, N, sr. pi 2060623, (GG, 205: 335. Mivoironiphioas 
vVolsr2.ip. sos vol sib: RG. 
I. R.I.A. 23, M, 49. p. 259; B.M. Eger. s8. pp. 58-6o; 7220. 
64-66. 
TII. R.A. 23, G, 2s. p. 366. 7047. p- 489; Muvolóosnasao: 
IV. R.A. 23, IL, 13. b: 22: 23, OÓ2aip. 23523, (op so5 
23; M, 16. p..2oo:; M, wol: 12: p: 341 vol seip-2oisolsos: 
p 145; Rivol 6o; & 
V. R.A. 2382620. p. 368. 23; 6r.og. p aos vol aiip ós 
€ 
VI. R.A. 23, G. 2. p. 368. 23, Gr, 20. p: 154; AU ol mapa: 
VIII R.A. 23, 6. 20. b. 301: 23, 20. .p: 133: 28, (nom naonas 
23, N, 1s.p: 35; Muavols s: Di 49: vol rap o4as 
VIII. R.A. a3, Go. pe T83 .; 23, G, 21. p. 368; M voltrorprosa, 
vol. I2. p. 86. 
IX: R.I.A.a3, G.i24. b.. 357. MM vol. r2.ip. 368. 
Sc, RIA o3. Ní rt Mivol. 6. aa T5. 
SCIL R.A Mol 6.ip. 356. 
CIE R-I.A. 23; 0, 2. p. 124; 23. MM Iorp: 21535. Ri yoimoosnes 
XIII 23; LU. 24. pass 23, UL 13. pé (34. 28, Noonan 
vol.4. p 291; vol, s. p. 27. vols. ip. san 
XIV. M, vol. Io. p. 8o. 
XV. R.I.A. 23, (26. p: 204.;.23, M 445: 160. ;.23; Oig apiass 
M, vol. 4. p.. 66; vol. To. p. 278.; €. 
XVI. R.I.A. 23, G, 20, p. 207; 23, Mi 44. p: 172; MM volro pus 6. 
XVII. R.I.A. a3, B, 37. PB. 53; 23, M, 16. p.. 2106; Mvolmoipeba 6: 
VIII. R.I.A. 23, E, 125. p. 238; M., vol. Ir. p. IO wool p: 69; 
yol. b2. D. a: 





XIX. 
XX. 
Seol, 


prosáilllih 


SCACHTT, 
XXIV. 
XXV. 
oi 
XXVII. 
XXVIII. 


XXIX. 
XXX. 
XXXI.-II. 


XX XIII. 
XXXIV. 


XXXV. 


XXXVI. 
XXXVII. 
XXXVIII. 
XXXIX. 
SCIL: 

XLI. 
Dei, 


becibdliúie 
XLIV.—VI. 


XV 11. 


INTRODUCTION. li 

M vol. To. p- 93. 

F.1.A. 23; A, 18. and O'Kearney”s MS. 

R.I.A. 23, M,. 16. p. 2t9o, and' another copy ;  B.M. Eg. 
I50. P. 443; C. 

ESIUASR 24 Eo TÓcnpsi3506. 23, NN. 13. p:. 285. 28, IS 24: 
P. 539; 23; 1; 39. p: 59; 23, L, 37. p. 8; M, vol. 8. p. 49o 
(incomplete); B.M. Add. 33567. p. 36; C; and numerous 
private copies. 

M, vol. 2. p. 6:. 

RIAR 20 Ga: D. 241 etiseg. 

23; 1, 39. p. 57: 

King”s Inns, Ir. MSS. No. 6; M.vol. 54.p. 171 (incomplete). 

RIA. 23. AA, T5. p- TIT. 

28. eoib: 240; BUÍ Eo. T33. p.. 724; “Fardimanis 
“ Minstrelsy,”” vol. 2. 

R, vol. 6g; O”Daly”s “ Poets and Poetry of Munster.” 

R.I.A. and O'Dalgy”s “: Poets and Poetry of Munster.” 

ELILA. 235 30; As. 2 (Stowe Collection); Mu vol. 53: 
a copy made by Mr. B. Stanton. 

ESiyob oi BME Eo mío.ip. 143; Eo T60. D.273- 

IRIILAS 23. Jig pi 424 23.. N. nipi34:; 18. vol oi, 
vol. CG. 

BM Eoso4art, 2. Dui177: 

R.A M. vol..2. p.. 34: 

EEA. Moll r. p. 3235: 

EI, 28, €32. p: 25; 23, É, 24. PD: 395. 

R-ILA 23, E, 6. p-. 283; Mivol. ra. pp. 201, 205, 286. 

O'Reilly"”s “: Irish Writers,” sub an. 1726. 

RIA. 23; I T3 pH79: 

E-IA. sa, G..285.. pá 3586. 234 ir 395 p.. 31.5. Mi vol, 2. 
P: 233: 

R.I.A. O'Kearney's MS. ; 23, G, 21. p. 362 (partial). 

R.A 233. K. 26; A. 5: 2 (Stowe. Collection); M, vols; 
a copy by Mr. B. Stanton. 

M, xcv. and two other coples. 


XLVIII.-IX. R.1.A. 23, E, I5. PD. 231-232; M, vol. 12. pp. 74-76. 


E. 
EI. 
LLII. 
Itáilú é 
LIV. 


R.A, Mol. T2. pi 306. 

M, vol. 43; PB: I: 

R.A. MM. vol. 5, p. 67. 

R.I.A. 23, 0, 49. p: 36; Mí vol. 72; p. 222: vol; 96. b. 484: 
R.1.A. 23, 0, 30; M, vol. 72. p. 224.; vol; 96. p: 438: 


lan INTRODUCTION. 


In the notes to these poems separate symbols are not 
given for the various MSS. “Thus, A stands for one of the 
copies in the R.I.A., M for one of those in the Murphy Collec- 
tion, and R for one of those in the Renehan Collection, 
Maynooth. Wherever more detailed iníormation is considered 
useful, it is supplied. . As some good MSS. came into the 
editor's hands after the text had been in type,a few important 
variants will be given at end of volume. 

In addition to the above list, copies of several of the poems 
in private hands were examined. Where the Maynooth Col- 
lection supplied a good copy, this has been generally made 
the basis of the text. The Murphy MSS. (M) are a collection 
of Irish poems and tales, made by Dr. Murphy, bishop of 
Cork, in the early years of the nineteenth century. The 
greater part of them were transcribed from older MSS. 
between the years I8oo and 1820; the scribes being the 
O'Longans, Michael óg, Paul, and Peter; John O'Nolan, and 
others of inferior merit. “There are some MSS. in this collec- 
tion of an earlierdate. Ofthe Renahan MSS. vol. 6o contains 
a vast body of modern Irish poetry. —“The date of compilation 
is IS8s3, and the scribe is inclined to the phonetic method of 
spelling. The R.L.A. MSS. consulted are very numerous ; 
but in their general features they resemble the Maynooth 
MSS. Many of them are a decade or two older, and they are 
on the whole more accurate. 

One MS. in the R.1I. Academy (23, G, 3) is of considerable 
interest in connexion with O'Rahilly. It is a MS. copy of 
“Keating's History.” “The scribe is Dermot O'Connor; and it 
is from this copy that his much-abused translation of “Keating” 
was made. At the end of the History the date I7Is is given. 
Then follow twelve pages of miscellaneus poems by Keating 
and others. Here is to be íound poem XXVIII. without its 
author's name, and on the same page twelve lines to Donogh 
O'Hickey, composed in I7og9 (last twelve lines of XXIV.), 
with our poet's name at the end. Between them is a short 


INTRODUCTION. hx 


piece on the vanity of the world. On the opposite page, at 
the top, is a poem on the son of Richard Rice, in O'Rahilly's 
manner; and, following this, a short elegy on Justin MacCarthy, 
Lord Mountcashel, who died abroad in I794, which is probably 
from our poet's hand. A few pages further is found the first 
partof XXIV. “Although the MS. is dated 1715, it does not 
follow that the twelve extra pages of poems are of the same 
date ; but they appear to be by the same scribe, and, no doubt, 
were written not long aíter that date. It would seem, then, 
that, while still living, Egan had such a reputation as a poet, 
that a scribe of some conseguence, like O'Connor, found in his 
poetry matter suitable for filling up the blank pages of his 
“ Keating.” 

A yet more interesting MS. is a copy of “ Keating's History,” 
made by Egan himself in I722, which is now in the National 
Library, Kildare-street, Dublin. 

On the first spare page is a portion of a tract on prosody, 
in O'Rahilly's handwriting ; and, at the end, the following :— 
Cn na praniob le hCoóasan Ua Rasaillas oo Rmóání mc Seain 
018 mic Siée a n-Onom Colueain 'pan m-bhaóaimn o'aoip Cpmoro 
mile reaccs (s-ceuo) asur an oana bhaóaim pibtceao. July an 
reaccmaó lá. “Written by Egan O'Rahilly for Roger óg, son 
of John, MacSheehy, at Dromcullagher, in the year of the age 
of Christ, one thousand seven (hundred) and twenty-two. July 
the seventh.” On the opposite page there is a poem of eight 
guatrains on a priest called William O'Kelliher, whose depar- 
ture íor Connaught the poet bewails ; the writing resembles 
O'Rahilly s, but is, [think, not his. At the end of this poem 
there is a stanaa, in a different hand, signed Seasan Ó Cuaóma, 
with the date I731. At page 83 we have the signature (losan 
Ua Raeéaille, and at the end 


“ Finis Libri Secundi 7” the oth, I722. 
“ (fobasán Ua Raeaille,” 


This last signature gives the form of the poet's name adopted 


Ix INTRODUCTION. 


in this volume, vi;. (loóúasán Ula Raeaille, and seems to be that 
uscd by the poet himself ; though even in this he is not guite 
consistent, while Peter O'Connell, in one place, R.I.A. 23, M, 
I6, corrects it to Raeámle. “The MS. is written clearly 
throughout in a bold hand, very little-use is made of accents, 
and initial letters are sometimes written in a slightly orna- 
mental style. From the dates given above, it seems that the 
entire MS. was written in two months. [In 1842, O'Curry 
gives his opinion of this MS. thus: (fr loccac an leaban é po: 
“this is a faulty book.” 

Among the British Museum MSS,., Egerton o4, which 
contains XXX V., is of interest as being written by Finneen 
O'Scannell, Hardiman's scribe. The paper bears the water- 
mark date of 1816. “This Finneen was probably the same as 
the distinguished poet of that name, who may be regarded as 
Egan 's legitimate successor as poet of the Killarney Labkes. 
Of another MS. in that collection (Additional 29,614), which 
contains a copy of IV., Seaghan na Rathaineach is the scribe. 
the clate as n32b. 

It will readily appear that the MSS. employed in preparing 
the text of these poems presented a wide range of ortho- 
graphical variations, and it was found impracticable to print 
them as they stood. Often the same word was spelled variously 
in the same poem, or stan2a, or even line. Some spellings, 
however, in which the MSS. were practically unanimous, were 
retained. “The preposition a for 1 was found constantly ; an 
instead of an, though not universal, was found to be the pre- 
vailing spelling. “The Munster a, unaspirated in verbs and in 
certain nouns and adjectives, has not been disturbed. It 
has been held by good authority (see Gae/ic /owree/, No. 11) 
that the Munster development of a in verbs should be recog- 
ni;ed as a characteristic of the language, leaving those of 
other provinces to soften the sound at will. “The present 
writer is of opinion that poems such as those in this volume 
lose much of their flavour unless the sa is pronounced without 


INTRODUCTION. Ibel 


aspiration. At any rate it is obvious that the poet is entitled 
to have the s unaspirated, and the MSS. in general so 
write it. “Although the passive forms, like cuimnedaó, are gene- 
rally pronounced in Munster as if ó were 5; yet the MSS. 
generally write ó, and it is used in this volume. “The diph- 
thongs eu and éa are in the MSS. written indiscriminately, 
and their example is íollowed in our text. Nouns like nís 
bnís are in the MSS. undeclined in the singular, and they 
have been in general so treatedintext. Asn does not silence 
5 in eclipsis they are not separated by a hyphen. For the 
rest, though many anomalies of spelline still remain, the text 
is, as a whole, as consistent as the present state of the language 
demands. 

Poem XXIII. is obviously only a fragment, and XL.is a 
stansa guoted by O'Reilly írom a poem on a shipwrecl: which 
the poet witnessed off the coast of Kerry, and of which there 
was an imperfect copy among the O'Reilly MSS. ; but I have 
been unable te. hncliit., Another piece, translation oí St. 
Donatus' Latin poem on Ireland, referred to by O'Reilly, is 
also missing. —Besides these there is an elegy on MacCarthy 
of Ballea, ascribed to the poet in the Renehan MSS. This 
elegy is printed in “ Hardiman's Minstrelsy,” and is there 
ascribed to Tadhg Gaodhalac, to whom it is also attributed in 
another MS. copy. As it has appeared already in print, and 
as its authorship is disputed, it is not given here. On the 
other hand, poems XXV. and XXXIV. are probably not 
genuine. “The latter appears to be the work of Pierse Ferriter. 

In these poems the elaborate metre employed reguires a 
considerable variation in the vowels, in declensions, and verbal 
terminations. Every language has to modify its ordinary prose 
forms to some extent to meet the exigencies of metre. 

The poet goes back to an earlier pronunciation of certain 
words, which colloguial usage had shortened by a syllable. 
Thus labaince, reabac, etc., generally íorm two syllables in 
verse, but only one in conversation ; while in XXI. ro, peabac 


lxn INTRODUCTION. 


is sounded as one syllable. “Again, not only is a word 
expanded according to earlier pronunciation, but aspiration 
is removed from a middle consonant, as leosan for leosan, 
raosal Íor paosal. It oíten happens that such pronunciations 
survive in provincial dialects. “Thus oúsamn is pronounced as 
two syllables in XX. 36, but never nowadays in conversation 
in Munster ; while in Connaught the two syllables are still 
heard, though the initial é becomes é. “The diphthong ao, as 
in aon, caob, etc., is pronounced in Connaught as aoi is pro- 
nounced in Munster (that is, as €e in $/“€/. “The poet often 
uses this sound fíor metrical purposes, and the scribes generally 
spell it aoi in such cases; thus saoil XXI., etc. Again, the 
same word is pronounced in three or four different ways to 
suit the metre : thus namaio may be taken as a monosyllable 
pronounced in two or three ways, or as a dissyllable having 
similar variations. “There is sometimes an internal vowel 
change in verbs, as oo néinn for oo mnmnne; also in pronouns 
combined with prepositions, as oúib íor oóib. Ereguently, 
also, the singular of a noun is used for the plural, and adjec- 
tives are sometimes not declined. 

As regards the value of these poems as specimens of the 
language, it will sufúice to guote the opinion expressed by the 
Very Rev. P. O'Leary, P.P. of Castlelyons, who yields to no 
one in appreciation of the subtleties of Irish syntax. When 
he had read the first twenty poems in proof, he wrote—“ The 
"pieces you are putting together are splendid ; they are verit- 
able classics in the language. The constructions in them 
will always stand as true models of the syntax of the Irish 
language.” 


Cá b-puil (4oóaasán éiaíop ianóain Páil, 


Ná aaeann a Paoéan cnéan nó a faanp “nán n-oáil. 


Where is Egan, bard of Western Fál, 


That his powerful work and his melody come not to our aid. 


REv. CoRMAC MAC CARTAIN, “To the Bards.? 





OCNCCL C(OOhcrS4IN Uul pcrchcnLLe. 


THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 


OGNCCL COOhaS4aIN Uul RCIchc0LLe. 


IE 


cneéacsa CRíÍC PÓoOLda. 


Ir acumnreac seun lom cnéacsa cníc Póola 

Fá raamall ao oaon 'ra sgolca clí-bneóiace; 

Na cpanna baó enéine ag oéanaim oín oóib pan 
Oo seannaó a naéaag “ra b-pnéama cnín-peonáce. 


Cé paoa óusc, Éine, maonóa, mín-nópnman, 

Cío' banalcnain c-Témn le péile aip Píon-eólup, 
bein peaproa ao” méinonia Pé sac cníon-eóipin, 
'S sac laonann comaniseac o'éir oo clí óeólcao. 


1r man banna ain mo méala, peuc sun oíol oeóna, 

io ó0o nsabann agac nécp oon néim pin noinn €onuip 
€tCbainnpíonn caip péin ao raoágalsa píceóilce, 
(léc Danba a b-péin aan céile 3p í póroca ! 





I.—Of this poem there are several partial copies. “There is a copy containing 
all the stan;sas given here in vol. 69 of the Renehan MS8. in Maynooth College. 


The piece, however, seems naturally to end with the sixth stansa. “The idea: 


expressed in the fifth stansa is more fully developed in XXXIV., which is an 
argument in favour of O'Rahilly s authorship o£f the latter poem. 


I. cníé, M cmniíé, monosxyllabic gen. of cníoc, as if the word were masc. 
BR cníce. 3. na cnanna, metaphorical íor “great families.” 

4- s5éasa, M séaóa. Most MS85. have aéaaa, which gives an extra syllable. 
In XXXVI. 936, M8$. gives a óéaú seineallaiú. “The word seems a. poetical 
softening down of séaaga. 5. €i4ne - a Cane, the a being absorbed by 





i 


THE POEMS OF BAN: ORAHILLY: 


T. 


THE WOUNDS OF THE LAND OF FODLA. 
RS3 


Woful and bitter to me are the wound4s of the land of Fodla, 

Who is sorely under a cloud whilst her Kinsfolk are heartsick ; 

The trees that were strongest in affordine them shelter 

Have their branches lopped off and their roots withering in 
decay. 


Long though thou hast been, O majestic, gentle-mannered Erin, 

A fair nursing-mother with hospitality and true knowledge; 

Henceforth shalt thou be an unwilling handmaid to every 
withered band, 

While every foreign boor shall have sucke4d thy breasts. 


And to crown my sorrow, behold it is a fit subject for tears, 
io “That every King of the dynasties who divide Europe amongst 
them 
Possesses his own fair, gentle spouse in prospenity and peace, 
While Banba is in pain without a eonsort, wedded though she be. 





the initial vowel. 7. bean, so in MS. It is a better form historically, as 
well as phoneticalls, than the beióin of many modern writers. 

8. coimaióeac, M comnéóeac, generally pronounced as if written caoiceac, 
here for assonance as if written caoóac. 

9. oeóna, for oeón, gen. pl. Io. noimn Conuip. I have taken 
noimnn as pf. tense of noimnim, “I divide,” and €eonuip as ace. ease. It would 
be better perhaps to take noimn €onunp for noimne €onpa: ““of the continent 
of Europe.” 

B2 


4 oúNc4 aoohaaáiN uí nRachalilLe. I. 


Cailleaman pnéim-Thooc Méillip ríol €osaim, 

Tr na peanacoin cnéana, laoénaó níosace Dóinme, 
Oon Canaée” Piuil péil, mo léun, ní 1 puinn beó aguinn ! 
Ir paoa pinn cnéis pá léin-ponior buióin Leópalo. 


Ir oeanb aun b'é sac éiaion íoscóna, 
óanauo IT éiseac, claon in oíoó-eóimall, 
óan ceanaal le céile, acc naobaó nínn-paónnac, 
20 Oo éannama ao Paobnac pnaoc an Ríos éóomaócai. 


Ó oailleaman Óine ir méao án mío-ooméónom, 

lr cneaprsainc na laoc mean, sneun, nán mí-óneónac, 
Cun Cnao-lÍlac Oé 'p ain óneun na Cníonóioe 

óo mainpiíió oá n-éir an méao po oóíob beó aguinn. 


Cailleaoan Saoócil a o-snéióée caoin cónac, 
Caneéanaócc, péile, beupa,; ir bínn-oeólsa ; 
([lla-cuinc claon oo ónaoc pinn paoi món-pmacs; 
Gsallaim Con-lilac Oé an Saoióil o'póinéin. 





I4. peanaóu -— peanóu: ce/. XXII. I6. 19. níosacc for niosaeca; 
M8. boinbe. In XX. 11, M8. has boinme. I5. Canaó-Puil. M38. 
canaío-Punl, but see 11. 1.. Canóac is sometimes a trisyllable, and then often 
written Canaóac; sometimes a dissyllable when the first syllable is lengthened, 


Cánsac. 20. so raobnac. One MS. has ainn 'éinimn. 23—24. Supply 
a verb lige iannamaoiío. It would be too harsh to take an Ctnao-1hac 
Oe - “for the sake of the Noble Son of God &ce.”” 27. alla-cuinc x- all- 


cuinc. 28. GÓ4010311, nom. for dat, 








20 


THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 5 


We have lost the root-stock of Niall and the seed of Eoghan, 

And the bold champions, the warriors of the kingdom of 
Borumha ; 

Of the hospitable race of Carthach, woe is me! we have not 
many alive, 

And lone have we been helpless under the devastation of 
Leopold's band. 


In sooth it is every violence of injustice on our part, 

Deceit and falsehood and treachery and dishonesty, 

Our want of union, and, instead, the tearing of each others 
throats, 

That have drawn down on us keenly the rage of the Mighty 
King. 


Since we have lost Erin, and because of the extent of our 
misÍortunes, 

And because of the overthrow of the nimble, strong warriors, 
who were not wantine an vigour, 

We entreat the noble Son of God and the Might of the Trinity, 

That those of them who are alive with us may thrive after 
them. 


The Gaels harve lost their gentle, comely gualities: 

Charity, hospitality, manners, and sweet music ; 

Wicked, alien boars it was that forced us under great oppression ; 
I beseech the Only Son of God to grant relief to the Gaels. 


6 oáNc4a aoohaadáin uí nachailLe. [n. 


lun 


aN mILLego o'mmó18 dIR 1hópn-$ueacoaiD 
N4 h-éiníOMH. 


Thonuan-pa an Cáne” Pinl cnáisce, cnéié-las ! 
óan nís ain an a-cóip ná sneónac cnéan-mean ! 
óan pean copnaim ná eoouin éum néicía ! 

lr san raaé oín ain éóín na praon-plaié ! 


Cín san cmaé oo 4man-Pul éibin ! 

Cín Pá anrmaoc óall oo cnaoógó ! 

Cín oo ooincegaó Pá copaib na méinleac ! 
Cín na ns:aabne—ap. cnéiáro ao h-eug om! 


Cín bocc buairóeansa, ir uaianeac céapoa ! 
Io Cín san pean san mac aan céile! 

Cín san lús san ponn san éiproeaóc ! 

Cín saagn éoméónom oo bocsaib le oéanann ! 


Cín san eaaslair éneapoa ná cléimá ! 
Cín le miopauir noc o'iéeaoan paolcoin ! 
Cín oo cuineaó so cubailceac, cnaocoga, 
Fá rmaóoc naimanro ir amal ir méinleac ! 


Cín san conaó san coaimbe a n-éinmn ! 

Cín san cuna san buinne aan néilcean ! 

Cín oo noccgaó san pocain san seusc ! 
ao Dín oo bmnpeaó le puinn an Déanla ! 








II.—For remarks on this threnody see Introduction. "The version here given is 
taken from a MS. in the Royal Irish Aeademy marked 23. M. 45, page 259 e£ seg., 
collated with a copy of the poem in the British Museum. “The latter copy gives 
the “binding”” sgtan;a, which is omitted in the former. The compiler of the 
British Museum catalogue describes the poem as an ““ Elegy on Mac Carthy,” but 
it is elegiae only in metre. 


II. | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 7 


tr 


THE RUIN THAT BEFELL THE GREAT FAMILIES 
OF ERIN. 


Woe is me! weak and exhausted is the race of Carthach, 
Without a prince over the hosts, or a strong, nimble leader ! 
Without a man to defend, without a key to hberate! 

Without a shield of protection for the land of noble chieftains! 


A land without a prince of the sun-bright race of Eabhear! 
A land made helpless beneath the oppression of the stranger ! 
A land poured out beneath the feet of miscreants ! té 

A land of fetters—at is sickness to me unto death ! 


A land poor, afilicted, lonely, and tortured ! 

Io A land without a husband, without a son, without a spouse ! 
A land without vigour, or spint, or hearing! 
A land in which is no justice to be done to the poor! 


A land without a meek church or clergy ! 

A land which wolves have spitefully devoured ! 

A land placed in misíortune and subjection 

Beneath the tyranny of enemies and mercenanes and robbers! 


A land without produce or thing of worth of any kind! 
A land without plenty, without a stream, without a star! 
A land stripped naked, without shelter or boughs ! 

2o 'A land broken down by the English-prating band |! 





I. cnúísce, MS8. cnániee. 5. 5nian-Puil: ef. anian 
c-rTnué, VIII. 11. 8. na nsaabne - na nseibne. Both 
MS85. have agibne, which form the metre reguires. I6. namcaio, 
apparently fíor namao, gen. pl. I7. 5an cminbe a n-'éinimn, as 
we say in English, “without any use 4” (Ae ord,” M8. reads conó4a and 
coinbée. 


8 odúNca aoohaaúiNM uí nRachallLte. [n. 


Cín ir cnáióce cnáiáce cnéan-Pin ! 
Cín as ríon-sol í so h-éaoman ! 
bDaincneac oeónac leoince léanman 
Scaicce bnúisce cúcal cnéaccoac ! 


Tr pluusc a snuaó ao buan le oéanab ! 
ónuas a mullaa as cuicm “na cnéan-mó ! 
Snoecanna pola ap a noprscb so caobac ! 

4 h-aaaió ain rnuaó an oub-áóuail le céile! 


0 bailll cnapuiáce ceanaailce céapog ! 

3o ólar a cuím éóaip mín-áil aléail 
]Jannuióoe cumaó a n-apPníonn maol-oub 
Ue ceánouib Dulcánaim cnaopai. 


Eul a cnoióe “na lmncenpeac Péioeap ! 

Tr saóom Dpipcó oa h-ól le seun-amc ! 

(í h-ablac cá oá pcnacaóo gap a céile 

Ca maonaíb Saopan ao cealsac o'aon coipa. 


O'Peóia a ouille, nl ePuimmoim 'na séagscib, 

Oo Peapa a h-mpse le euipne na ppéine, 

'Sa snéin ní”, carioniom óp, peanannaib, péacanó, 
4o dlr ceó na ceánoóan acá ain a pléibeib. 


0 mínmac Ípíoaóa a coill "?pa h-aolbac 

Oo oóiseaó oo bmipreao, a cnanna "ra caolbac, 
CL placa páir so raáince naobóa, 

4 s-cníocaib eaccnann pacipée ó céile ! 





23. bamcneac —baimcneabac, but the word is now always dissyllabic. 

a4. cúéail. O'R. gives “bashful,” but the meaning is often much stronger, 
as in several passages of these poems. 

26. MS.a cucim. I have always supplied the a in such omissions. 

27. Cf. “bnaonaóa pola ar a norsab as comnué,” XXII. 164. 
so caobac I translate “in torrents ”; the more preceise meaning is “in flakes or 
layers,” which will hardly suit “blood. O'R. only gives caobao, “clodded' : 
cf. the use of plaoo, which is often applied to “ blood.' 





Ei] THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 9 


A land in anguish, drained of her brave men! 
A land ever lamentine her children enviouslgy ! 
A widow, weeping, wounded, woful! 

Torn, bruised, humbled, full of wounds ! 


Ever wet is her cheek from tears! 

'The hair of her head falls down in heavy showers! 
Streams of blood gush forth in torrents from her eyes! 
Her whole visage is of the appearance of black coal! 


Her limbs are shrunken, bound, and tortured ! 
;o The fastenines of her tender, smooth, fair waist 

ITrons framed in hell, bleak, and gloomy, 

By the craítsmen of greedy Vulcan. 


Her heart's blood spurts forth in pools, 

While the dogs of Bristol drink it with keen greed4; 

Her carcass is being torn asunder 

By Saxon curs, treacherously, and with deliberate itent. 


Her leaves have decayed, there is no vigour in her boughs ; 

Her waters have been dnied up by the frosts of heaven ; 

Behold! there is no brightness in her sun over the lands, 
4o And the íog of the smithy is upon her mountains. 


Her princely mines, her woods, her lime guarries 

Are burnt or broken down; her trees, her osier plantations, 
Her growing rods, seattered and torn, 

In foreign countries severed from one another. 


34. Dn1TcÓ is mentioned again in XX.25; and Dover is used similarly, 
XXI. 8. The Bristol merchants were great transporters of slaves. In the 
course of four years they shipped upwards of 6000 youths and maidens from the 
Trish shores ; these included criminals, prisoners of war and the destitute. 

4I-42. aolbac seems to mean “limestone guarries ”; caolbac, probably same 
as caollac, or more properly caolac ; for caolac see XXII. 222, note, and 
&f. XXVII. 87. 


10 oáNc4a goohaaáinM uí nachalilLe. [n. 


Gníopa ir heioser, aan ceilgs am” pseulaib, 

€í leabanó an lanla, ir pian 'rpip céapoc ! 

Cn ÓDlánna san áicneab aóc paolcoin ! 

l1r Ráe Uuinc pranioroaiáéce nocscióce a n-oaon-bnuo ! 


Oo éuic an Leamuin san capa, mo seun-soin ! 

so Cn lilama 'T an c-Síionaimn 'p an Uipe pá ónéaccab ; 
Ceamain na Ríos san unpa prhoec Méill Ounib, 
lT ní beo cundaó aca cineaó Roióéileann. 


Ní'l Ua Ooéansa a s-eoménom “ná a caomPlococ! 
Ní 1 Síol TWónóa cneón baó énéanman ! 

Ní Ua Plaéansea a a-ceannap “ná a aaolca 

Síol Dn ain oeanb na nóallab le cnémhpe ! 


C"n Ua Rucunc ní 1 luagó, mo aeun-óoin ! 

Ná ain Ua Oomnaill pór a n-éimnn ! 

NMa óeanalcaig cáío san capa san pméioegaó, 
6o búncas Dannas :1T Dneacnaa na g-caol-banc. 


óuióim an Cníonóro píon-món naoimeéa 

Cn ceó po oo óíocun oíob ne céile, 

Oo Pleaccaib Ín ir Cuinn nip éibm, 

Tr a$ríos bo éabainc na m-beaóa oo Saoóalaib. 


Chpaíos oo Saoóbalaib oéim, a Cníopo, a n-am, 
Ma m-beaóda ao léin ó óaon-bnuio ogaoice all. 
Smaccaió na méinha, peuc an s-cníoc so pann ! 
Ir oalca na h-Éimonn paon lag claoióce éall. 


4H CedaNa4(. 
To aneaoaó bnóin na oneasaimn énóoa pesáince ón g-cié, 
so lp na óalla móna a leabaió an leosan 'ran m-Dlánnaim áiÓl: 
óac acme 'an cóip lén maié mo Póno man cáiío aan éíon 
Cua sealb pór mé ain eapbcaó bnóg "an pnáio amoá. 





45. For Griffin see XVIII.; Colonel Hedges, of Macroom, see Introd. 

46. Both A and B read, as in text, an” pian “rr céaroa. “The Earl 
is either Lord Clancarty, ealled “T1lanla na reabac paíoóac pusaé ” in 
VIII. 14, or Lord Kenmare. s2. Raóáileann, in MSS. The metre 
reguires a word of three syllables. It is possible that Rairóleann is meant : see 





I. | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 11 


Griffin and Hedges—without deceit is my tale— 

In the place of the Earl, it is pain and torture; 

Blarney, without a dwelling save for the wolves; 

And Bathluirc plundered, stripped naked, and in durance dire. 


The Laune has fallen without vigour, my sharp stroke ! 

so The Maine, the Shannon, the Liffey, are wounded! 
Tara of the Kings is without a prop of the race of Niall Dubh! 
And no hero of the race ot Raighleann is alive. 


O'Dohenty is not holding sway, nor his noble race, 

The O”Moore's are not strong, that once were brave, 
O'Flaherty is not in power, nor his Kinsfolk, 

And sooth to say, the O'Briens have long since become English. 


Oí O'Rourke there is no mention——my sharp wounding! 
Nor yet of O'Donnell in Erin; 
'The Geraldines they are without vigour, without a nod, 
6o And the Burkes, the Barrys, the Walshes of the slender ships. 


I beseech the Trimty, most august, holy, 

'To banish this sorrow from them altogether— 
From the descendants of Ir, of Conn, of Eibhear— 
And to restore the Gaels to their estates. 


O Christ, restore betimes to the Gaels 

All their-estates, rescued from the dire bondage of foreign churls; 
Chastise the vile horde, behold, our country is faint, 

And Erin's nursling, weak, feeble, subdued, beyond the sea ! 


THE BINDING. 
My torment of sorrow, the brave champions scattered by the shower, 
3o And the gross foreigners in the hero's place in bright Blarney, 
Every family of the tribe that loved my class, how they are scorned; 
This has brought me still poor, lacking shoes, to town to-day. 








VI. 6, note. 55. má a óaolca. MS. ná óaolsa. 
64. beaca, “means o£ living,” “estate ”: cf.— 
Chpaos a beaóa oo éabainc oo ain aon ball 
O Sue Finn ao pPíonaoib Sléib mip.—XX XV. 231—2, 


12 


IO 


oánNc4 aoohaaáin uí nachailLe. [m. 


luiik 
mac gdN C€eaNNulóe. 


Cipuna séan oo óeancal, péin am” leabaró aip mé ao lags- 
bníosac : 

Ouinain Penh, oan b'amm éine, as ceaoc am. gon. ain 
mancuóeaóc; 

d rúil neaman lar, a cúl cnom car, a com preana seal “p 
a malaióe, 

O'á maoróeam so nab as c1o8gaóc "na sg?, le oíosnaip, ac 
an Ceannuse. 


(I beól baó binn, a alón bao caoi, aip nó-Treanc línn an 
cailín 

Céile Dmain o'án Séill an Fhann,molléin-éneac oian a hacío 

Fá púirce óall, oá bnhúsao so ceann, mo eúilpaonn c-preana 
oo Plao pinn; 

Ní 1 epaoiream peal le ciáeacc “na san ao b-pallpaó IHac an 
Ceannunse. 


Ma céaosa acá a b-péin oo ónáó le séan-reanc páim oá 
cneap-ólí; 

Clanna níséce maca TIlíleaó onasuin píocoa aip saipaio1aá, 

Cá snúir “na snaoi, ní múprslann pí; cé oubac pa pasíor 
an cailín, 

Ní'l epaoiream peal le cióeacc "na aan so b-pallpaó llac an 
Ceannuse. 





III.—OÓf this splendid poem, on which I have commented in the Introduction, 


there are several copies extant, all agreeing in every point of importance. In 
XXVIII. the Pretender is called the Biicklayer from his reputed origin; and in 
the present poem a similar idea appears to be suggested by the ““ Merchant's Son.” 
In some MS. copies IV. is placed after III. as a “-binding,” and as IV. seems to 
have been composed before 1725, III. may also be referred to thesame date. Hence 
it can scarcely be meant to represent the death of James II., who did not diein 
Spain, and must be regarded as pure fancy. 


. séan. A paon. 3. 6la?, as a colour, means green like grass, or 


TI. | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 18 


BEI 


THE MERCHANT'S 80N. 


I beheld a clear vision as Í lay in my bed bereft of strength ! 

A gentle maiden, whose name was Erin, approached me on 
horseback— 

Full and bright were her eyes, her hair was heavy and ningletted; 
fair and slender her waist, and her eyebrows— 

Pioclaiming that the Merchant's Son was coming to her with 
seal. 


Her mouth was melodious, her voice was beautaiful—great is my 
love for the maiden— 

The spouse of Brian, whom the warriors obeyed; myeutter 
complete ruin is her affliction. 

Crushed heavily beneath the flail of the íoreigners, this slender 
maiden that stole my heart; 

There is no relief ever to draw near her until the Merchant's 
son come back. 


Hundreds are pining in love through earnest, pleasing devotion 
to her complexion, 
io Childrenof kings, sons of Milesius, fierce warriors, and champions 
Sorrow is in her face, she does not arouse herself; sad and weary 
though the maiden be, 1 
There is no reiief ever to draw near to her till the Merchant's 
Son come back. 








grey as a horse; when applied to the eye, as here, it cannot convenienfly be trans- 
lated either “green” or “grey,” as neither word implies a compliment. Its meaning 
here, as in the many passages where it is applied to the eye, is “fresh, bright, 
sparkling”: thus, XI. 9, púil ar olnpe mna onúcoc ain Peón, where the com- 
parison is between the eye andthedew. But, the natural guality of dew is to be 
fresh, bright, sparkling—it is not its greenness that is admired. 79. MS. mmhuóe. 

4. maoióearm very often simply means “to announce or mention, like luaó. 
It sometimes means “to announce or mention in a boastful manner.” 

7“. M rúirceaóa. A púiprce. 9. M cneip-clhóe. II. M has 
simply epú raíoT í. A completes the line asin the text. 72. anúin s- sorrow (?). 


14 


20 


oáNca gaoohaaúinN uí nachaLúe. [m. 


0 náióce péin, ir cndáiíóce an paéal, mo lán-óéneae séan a 
h-aicío ! 

Óo b-pPuil pí agn ceól ag caoi na n-oeón, 'p a buóean san 
Só baó maié óáníoin, 

óan cléin, agn óno, a b-péin ao món, 'na haanpma pó sac 
maogo! ; 

'S so m-beió pí 'na rpnear san lmnáe le pean ao b-pallpaó 
Thac an Ceannmgse. 


CGoubaince anír an búióo-bean míonla, ó óúnnaó nísóe 
óleaoc Fí, 

Conn ir 4nce, baó lonnnac neacóc, ir b' PePoslac slac a 
nsleacuiseacc ; 

Cníoméan scnéan, can cuínn éóua aéill, i? Laoiseaó mac 
Céin an pean spoióe, 

óo m-beió pí 'na ppnear, san lmáóe le pean, so b-pallpaó 
THac an Ceannumnae. 


Oo bein púil ó óegp, agó ló pó preac, an cháis na m-banpc, 
an cailín ; 

lr rúil oeap roinn; so olús can muin, mo óuma anoir a 
h-aicío ; 

(I púile pian, as púil le Oia, can conncaib paana sainme ; 

Tr so m-beió pí “na prpnear, san luáe le pean, ao b-pallpaó 
Tlac an Ceannunae. 


GC bnáisne bneaca acáío can lean—na cáince Peanc an cailín; 
Ní'l eleaó le pagaáil, níf'V sean ná andáó aa neac oá cáinoib, 


aomuim ; 

4 snuaóna pluoc, san puan, aan pulc, pá sánuaim, aip oub 
a n-abío. 

Nf paoiream peal le oaóáeacs 'na san so bpallpaó Hlac an 
Ceannuae! 





I6. rpnear. “The idea conveyed by cá re “na rpneoa”, or cá re rínce 


sa rpnear is, ““he is lying down, useless or helpless.” (/. the lines from the 
“ Arachtach Sean” :— 


““beió claióoeam ain aac preabac nán éeanaal le bnhníoeac 
"S an reanouine cníona Tínce "na ppneap.”” 


HI. | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 15 


Her own words, distressimg is their tale,—her afflliction is my 
complete, sharp ruin! 

How that she is without melody, shedding tears, and her troops, 
who, without falsehood, had performed great deeds, 

Without clergy, without friars, deep in suffering, a remnant 
subject to every dog; 

And that she will lie alone, nor admit a lover until the Merchant”s 


Son come back. 


The kindly, mild woman added, that since the kings she had 
cherished were brought low— 

Conn and Art, whose reigns were illustrious, and whose hands 
were strong to spoil inn fight, 

Criomhthan the strong, who brought hostages from across the 
sea, and Luigheadh, son of Cian, the man of might— 

so fBShe would lie alone, nor admat a lover until the Merchants Son 

come back. 


Daily the maiden looks southwagrd by turns to the shore of the ships, 

Eastward she looks wistfully aeross the main, 

IIoping in God, she looks westward over wild, sand-mingled waves, 

And she will he alone, nor admit a lover until the Merchant's 
Son come back. 


Her speckled fnars, they are over the sea, the troops whom the 
maiden loved ; 

Nor feast, nor affection, nor love is to be got by any of her 
friends, I avow 1t; 

Her cheeks wet, without repose or pleasure, in sorrow, black is 
their covenne ; 

There is no relief to draw near her till the Merchant's Son 
come back. 





“Eywery warrior who did not unite with a bride, will wear a sword, 
While the aged old man will be in bed, uselessly (or helplessly).?”” 
17. cleacc, “to be habituated to,” hence “tocherish.7 7. cúnnaó. M8. 
cunnairn. 21. amn cnúió. MS. ain cnaáóió. 26. aomuim 
- aomuióim. MS. aoaomn. 27. a n-gnbío, : (/eir covering” : that 
is, the covering of her cheeks; the anúnr she displayed, as said in line 11, swpra. 


16 odáNc4, aoohasúáinN uí nachanLLe. [m. 


Coubanc léi, ian élor a paéal, a nún sun éag an óleaóc pí 
3o CÓuop 'ran Spáinn, so b-pPumn pé bóf, iT nán épuaá le cáe a 
h-aicío ; 
]an s-clor mo áoóa a b-poóapr o34, connma a cnuié, “Tr. oo 
rsenego pí; 
Ir o'éalaa a h-anam, o'aon pneab dipoe; mo leun-pa an 
bean so lags-bníosac. 








2o. O(foubanrc (MS. separates the a) must be pronounced as three syllables ; 
notice the inversion: the natural order is, sun eas a nun an óleaóc Fí. 


HI. | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. Iirí 


On hearing her story, 1 told her the lover she cherished was 


dead, 
3o Im Spain in the south he died, and her affliction was pitied of no 
one; 
As she heard my voice close to her, her frame trembled, she 
shneked, 


And the soul £íled from her in an instant; oh woe! the woman 
bereft of streneth. 


3o. các, with a negative — “no one.” 


YOL. III. c 


18 oúNca aoohaaúiM uí nRachailLe. [r. 


1IAfo 
slule Na allUe. 


Ó1le na óile oo eonnanc-pa ain pie a n-uaisneap; 
Uinmop an bimnaíp a pnaíosal nán cníon-ánuamóa ; 
Crpaoproal an cnioroail a sonm-nops nínn-uaine ; 
Oeinse 31? Pinne as Píonnaó “na sníop-ónuaónaib. 


Cairpre na caire an sac nuibe oá buióe-euaccnib ; 
baineap an énuinne oá nuione le nínn-Touabanraá ; 
lonnaó ba Slaine ná alaine ain a bnuinn buacaróá ; 
Oo seineaó ain seineamain oipí Tan cín uaócnais. 


Eior píorac oam o'imnrr, 3T im so Píon-uaisneaó ; 

io Fiop Pilleaó oon ouine oon íongao ba níá-óualsap ; 
Eior mileaó na onuinae óuin eiron ain nínn-nuasgaó ; 
'S paop eile na cuinpeao am luióc3b le píon-uamain. 


Uemne na leime oam onuriom “na cnuinn-cuainm ! 

((m cime as an cime oo pnaíómegaó so píon-énuaiíó me; 
Cun aoinm lilic Tiluinme oam puncaoc oo bíoós uampe ; 
'S hmaeap an bnuimnánol "na luipne ao bnuioin Luacna,. 





IV.—Ií we may judge by the number of copies of this poem extant in the M88. 
of the eighteenth century it must have been very highly prised by the Trish pubhie. 
And justly was it prised. It is unsurpassed for gubtlety of rhythm and beauty of 
expression, but it saddens the heart by its sounds ““ most musical, most melancholy.”” 
It has been printed by O'Daly in the “Poets and Poetry of Munster,” 'The best 
copy that I know to exist is to be found in an autograph volume by John Murphy, 
é Beaghan na Rathoineach,” bearing date 1764-1755. 1 use S to represent this 
copy in the notes. "The text I give here is from a copy by O'Longan, with a few 
emendationsfrom other copies. It should be observed thatin many MS885. this poem 
is given as a “ binding”” to III. TH is found in a MS. of 1725. 


2-3. These lines are third and second, respectively, in O'Daly”s printed copy, 
and also in Murphy”s copy, which we denote by 5. 3. 8 an óumnm noipa. 





I. | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 19 


IV, 
GILE NA GILE. 


The Brightness of Brightness [ saw im a lonely path, 
Melody of melody, her speech not morose with age, 
Crystal of crystal, her blue eye tanged with green, 
The white and ruddy struggled in her glowing cheeks. 


Plaitine of plaitine in every hair of her yellow locks, 

That robbed the earth of its dew by their full sweeping, 
An ornament brighter than glass on her swelling breast, 
Which was fashioned at her creation in the world above. e 


A tale of knowledge she told me, all Ionely as she was, 
io News of the return of Hrx to the place which is has by kingly 
descent, 
News of the destruction of the bands who expelled him, 
And other tidings which, through sheer fear, [will not put in 
my lays. 


Oh, folly of follies for me to go up close to her! 

By the captive I was bound fast a captave; 

As I implored the Son otf Mary to aid me, she bounded4 
from me, 

And the maiden fled, blushine, to the fairy mansion of Luachair. 








5. 8 cuire mna cunrre. 6. 8 co buimio?' an onuinne oon nuinne. 

7. 8 sluime. 9. 8 o"mp me, as if the poet were the informant. 

I2. eile, pronounced as 31f written uile. I4. S am coinne aa an 
s-cuime. R am coimeao as an a-coime. O'Daly piints: 'S me am 
€éomae as an égaime. wBeading in text is, on the whole, the most satisfaetory 
and the most common by far; cime - cimbió, “a captive.” Text gives 
sense reguired by context: He approached the maiden, but in doing so was de- 
tained a captive; when he sought for release in prayer he was released, indeed, 
but she had fled. 'Phere are other copies of this poem which I have not collated, 
and which may give this line more aceurately. 


0.2 


20 oánNc4 aoohaaáin uí nachalilúe. [m. 


Riéimm le mine am piéib ao cnoióe-luaimmneac ; 

Cné imméallaib cunnais, cné monacib, cné FhVlím-nuaiórib ; 

Oon pinne-bnog ciaim, ní óuism cia an c-Tlaise pPuanap, 
2o G0 h-íionao na n-íongo oo cumdaó le onaoióeaoce snuas418. 


UDnirío pá paise so raiseamail buióean sánuasac 

lr Puineann oo bnuinnáiolaib paoprsaaiée olaoi-céuacac ; 

(Í nseimealaib seimeal mé cuiníio san puinn puaimmD ; 

'S5 mo bnuinnáiol ainn bnuinníb as bnuinnine bnuinn-peuacaóc. 


O"mnipeap oi, "pan b-pníosal baó píon uaim-in, 
Nán ceube ó: pnaíóomeaó le pabiane plím-buairóoeanóa ; 
'S an ouine bao áile ain cine Scuic cní h-uoine, 

(6 peicíom ain in beis aise man éaoin-nuaóan. 


(tin cloiroin mo áoóda ói aoileann so pPíon-uaibneac ; 

3o WRiíéeann an Plce ao lupe am a sníor-ánuaónaib 
Cuineann lom siolla oom éomainc ón m-bnhnuíóin uaiée; 
'S í óile na óile oo eonnanc-Ta ain pliáe a n-uaianeap. 


aM ceaNaa([. 


To eneiáro ! mo éubaipce! mo óunnain ! mo bnpón ! mo oí! 
To FPoillpeac muinneac, míocain-seal, beól-caip, éaoin, 

([s aóancac puinionn-oub miíol?agiPeac cóinneac buióe 3; 

'S san leiseap “na aoine ao b-pallio na leosain san cuínn. 





17. 8 nió1m le nié mine. I8. plím-nuaióc3b. [It is 
difhcult to determine the exact force of plím in compounds; it is of freguent 
occurrence, thus in/rá 26: Tlm-budióeanóa. as primary meaning seems to be, 
“thin, spare, slender.” (€/f. ruom-anán, “unleavened bread. A numóceac 
is a rough uneven moortrland, interspersed with cuncóagd, or little holms. 

20. 8 onoiseacos onuaódb. O'Daly, onuasaib ; text is that of 
O'Longan's copy. 26. cuibe, two syllables here. 

29. Píon-ugdbneaec. uaban means “pride,” in general, often also wowndeéd 
Pvide. -A person subjected to a keen insult, under which he smarted, would say, 
éamis uaban onm, “a sense of wounded pride came on me.” (/. XIII. 81: 


(tóban uabain buaióeansa 3 bnón-óo!il, 
where the meaning, “ pride” would be nridiculous. 


ny. 


20 


39 


THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 21 


1 rush in mad race with a boundine heart, 

Through margins of morasses, through meads, through barren 
moorlanúds, 

I reach the fair mansion—the way 1 eame 1 know not— 

That dwelling of dwellings, reared by the sorcery of a wisard. 


They burst into laughter, mockingly—a troop of wisards 
And a band of maidens, trim, with plaited locks; 

In the bondage of fetters they put me without much respite, 
While to my maiden clung a clumsy, lubberly clown. 


] told herthen, in words the sincerest, 

How it ill beeame her to be united to an awkwasd, sorry churl, 

While the fairest thrice over of all the Scotic race 

Was waiting to receive her as his beauteous bride. 

As she hears my voice she weeps through wounded pride, 

The streams run down plenteously from her glowing cheeks, 

She sends me with a guide Íor my safe conduct from the 
mansion, 

she is the Brightness of Brightness I saw upon a lonelx path. 


THE BINDING. 


O my sickness, my misíortune, my Íall, my sorrow, my loss! 

My bright, fond, kind, fair, soft-lipped, gentle maiden, 

Held by a horned, malicious, ceroaking, yellow elown, with a 
black troop ! 

While no relief can reach her until the heroes come baek aeross 
the main. 





3o. 8 Trile as an bphée so Uupe. It seems too extravagant to take hpe 


as the river here; besides, that river ig too remote from Luachair. 


35. O”Daly prints :'— 


“ (ún aóainc as puineannaib míoprsadipreaco, cnón-óub, buioe.” 


But, there is an obvious slur on the maiden, so lovingly described, in saying 
she was held by a horn. The text follows 8, which transfers the horn to her 
tyrant. 


22 


IO 


20 


oúNca aobhasúin uí nachaille. s. 


Y. 
aN 4GISLINa. 


Taroion pul pmaoin Titan a copa oo luaóail 

(án mullae ónuic aoino aoibimnn oo looaman puap; 
Cannapcan lunn psaoec bnuimnnáiol poitbin puaine 
óaprnaó bí a Sió Seanaib polap-bnua óugnó. 


Feanarcsan rsaím onaoióeacsa nán óonca pnudaó, 

O Salm na líos lí-seal so Concaia na s-cuan, 
Dapna sac cnaimn Píon-émneaT conaó asur cnugap, 
Trlear ogine ain aac coill, pPín-iml ain Clocaib so buan. 


Uaprcio pin cpí coinnle ao prolap nae luoióim 

Cun mullae Cnmc aoino Fínmne Conallaaá pnucnó, 

Leanar can cuinn psaoé na m-ban s-coóaill so Cuamuin, 
1r paccaim-pe oíob oíosnair a n-orpaae ain cuain. 


O'Pneasmn an Dmáio Ctoibill, nán óonéa pnudaó, 

Facaimn na o-sní s-coimnle oo lapaó an ae cuan, 

(t n-ainm an nís oíosnair bear asuimnn ao luaec. 

(t a-ceannap na o-chní níosacsa, 1T oga a-corpnain so buan. 


(tr m'apuna oo Plím-bíoósan ao. h-aéeumain puar, 

lr oo meaparp sun b-píon o” (toiball saé pronap oán luaró ; 
1r amlaió bíopr cím cnéaccac, ooilbin, ouainc, 

THaroion pul pmaoin Titan a copa oo luaóaill, 





V.— This delightful little piece seems to have been very popular. It describes 


the fairy woman Aoibhill and her companions lighting up the harbours of the 
country with three candles. Aoibhill explains to the poet that they are welcoming 
the rightful king of the (/7ee fingeoins who is soon to come and long to stay. But 


alas ! it was only a vision, and the poet starts up from his reverie sad and dis- 


consolate. 

I. MS. gives Typhon ; the Sun is meant, of course. 2. MS. mullacG ; 
though, 9 ;a/re, ain mullac. 10. Cnoc Finne, in the county of 
Limerick, is a classic ground of fairies. On it is a heap of stones, said to be a monu- 
ment to Donn Firinne. See XXVIII. II. coó4all means : a hood or cloak,” 


and often implies power of enchantment. 0. Cuamuin, for Cuaómumain. 








v..] THE POEMS OF EGAN O'BRAHILLY. 253 


Yy:; 
THE REVERIE. 


One morning, ere yet Titan thought of stirring his feet, 

I went up to the summit of a high pleasant hill, 

I met a band of charming, playful maidens— 

A host who dwelt in Sidh Seanaibh of the bright mansion in 
the north. 


A magic prosperity of hue not dark spread itself around, 

From Galway, of the bright coloured stones, to Cork of the 
harbours; 

The top of every tree ever bears frut and produce; 

In every wood are acorns, and sweet honey continually on stones. 


They light three ceandles with a blare I cannot describe 
io On the top of high Cnoc Firinne in Red Conollo; 
I followed the band of hooded women over the waves to 
Thomond, 
And ask the secret of the function they were performing in their 
rounds. 


The maiden Aoibhill, not dark of aspect, gave in reply 

The reason for lightineg the three candles over every harbour: 

In the name of the king for whom we year, and who will soon 
be with us 

Ruline the three kingdoms and defending them long. 


I started up from my reverie without delay, 
And I fancied that Aoibhill had spoken truth in all she had said; 
The way with me was that I felt weak, oppressed, sad, and 
troubled 
2o One morning ere yet Titan thought of stirring his feet. 





13. nán óonóa rnudaóÓ, “not dark of aspect,” )wf of )ráig/(esú Awe. Cf. naó 
íriol méin, XI. 2; and san eaprnam ain biaó, XXXIII. 51. 

I7. Tlím-bíoósaap: see IV. 18, note. 

ao. MS. reads Titan, which must be true reading in line 1, swpyw. 


24 oúNca aoohaaúin uí nachaiLLe, [m. 


I. 


c1sUuiNa me4aDuliL. 


Cirhna meabual o'aicill m'anam, real san capa preana 
cím cnéis; 

Frara canb cnarna mana as ceaéc anoeapr so ceann 
paoi ném ; 

Orprasan meana a o-coprac caéa a n-anm $neansa. an 
c-Teana c-príol Céin, 

Leascó an áallab aca iÍ baragó, ir ePeanann epanmnna 
a s-ceann cníoc Néill. 


THRanr san banna oeancam, preabac leaban lannac 
leabain-óníom cnéan, 

bracac apanaimh, coileac caéa, o'aicme Raióleann prean 
Spíb óaeóeal; 

Cprício pPlaici?, bailce, oanain, nanna, mghna, ir campaoi 
a s-céin, 

O'peancab anm-sapase an acil seallap ceanc an c-rean- 
nís pléio. 





VI.—This brief little lyric displays the poet's great command of language and 
rhyme. It seems clearly to refer to the Pretender, and not improbably at a time 
when rumours were rife of his endeavour to regain his father's crown. It is not 
unlikely that it was written about 1714 or 1715. The poet lived to see how 
far the event was from justifying this glowing dream. I have collated the 
Maynooth copy of the poem with two others in the Royal Irish Academy. 


I. m'anam. “This aspiration is common in the spoken language. d4anc1all, from 
aciíollam, “I vex. O'R. writes it aiaiollam : o'aicill m'anam aan capa, 


“w1. | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 25 


MIL 


AN ILLUSIVE VISION. 


An illusive vision troubled my soul for a time, leaving me 
without vigour, lean, spiritless, and prostrate : 

Showers oí ships crossing the sea from the south, mightily and 
in due order, 

Nimble soldiers in the battle-front, in splendid arms—the grace- 
ful race of Cian— 

Upsetting and wounding the foreigners, and wide their plains at 
the extremity of the regions of Niall. 


I beheld a Mars without censure, a warrior of the sword, of 
nimble deeds, mighíy, 

A marching banner, a battle cock, of the race of Raithlean, 
parent oí the warriors of the Gael; 

The heavens tremble, towns, strongholds, continents, seas, and 
camps in the distance 

At the feats of martial valour of the hero who undertook to fight 

for the rights of the old king. 











“ywexed my soul, leaving it, or rather me, without vigour.” a. ass in 
MS8. freguently aa. 3. c-reana c-Tíol. A c-reana-Tríol. 

6. bnacac aronaim, “banner of progress or marching.” apanaim, from 
arsnam, “[go, march.” M, bnocac apnn. A,also,apnm. 47. Raeó- 
leann was foster-mother of Corc of Cashel, and daughter of Dathe the strong. 
Corc being the first king of Cashel, descent from the Cashel kings is spoken of as 
-descent from Raithleann. 

8. pléió generally means “to litigate, to contend ”; here it is used of battle. 


26 odáNc4a aoohasúáiM uí nachalilLe. [vn. 


au; 


GH cGHN O'dISCRI8 50 OUINNedaCÓd4HD Láin Ue cONN 
cóime 4 a-C14RRUIOe. 


Ir paoa lom oióce Pín-Pelhuc san puan, san pnann, 

ódn ceana, san maoin, caoine, ná buagib na m-beann ; 
(([npaó ain cuinn cgaoib liom oo buanióin mo éeann, 

lr nán óleaccar' am naoióean paoóuis ná nuaócan abann. 


Oá maineaó an nís oíonman ó bhuac na Leamann 
'S5 an sapndaó bí as noin leir lén ónuaé mo coll, 
CI s-ceannap na a-cníoc a-caoin a-cluóain a-cuanac s-cam, 
óo oealb a o-cín o-coinneac níon buan mo clann. 


((n Canaecac snoióe píocman len ePuaóaó an means, 
io lr Canaéóac Uaoi a n-oaoie aan puapsalaó pann, 

Canaéac nís Cinn Cuiu"c a n-uaoa “ra élann 

'S ar acuinpre cníom” énoióe san a o-cuoimipa ann. 


Oo Peana mo énoióe am ólíce oo bucióin mo leann ; 
Na reabac nán phníés cimnce, ag an óual an eana;, 

O Caipiol so cuinn OÓlíoóna "pe so Cuamuin éall, 

4 m-bailce “na maoin oíó-Cneaóca as plugdóiab óSall. 





VII.—In this very beautiful and pathetic poem the author gives us what may 
be called a biographical snap-shot of himself. MPressed apparently by dire poverty, 
he had changed his residence, and found himsel£ in a land of surpassing loveliness. 
Duimneacha, where the poem was composed, must be near the great ceascade that 
rushes impetuously down the s]lopes of the 'Tomies Mountain into the lake beneath. 
It is night, and a storm rages on land and wave. “Tonn T'oime thunders with 
deafening noise. His sleep is disturbed, and he breaks forth into a lament for the 
chieftains who, 3i£ they lived, would reheve his distress. In his impatience he 
chides the waves for their angry clamour. 


s. The MacCarthys built their castles on the edge of Lough Lein and the 
River Laune, as Carew says, “to stop all the passages of Desmond.” 

7. A very graphic description of the district around the Killarney Lakes. 

9. Refers to MacCarthy Mor. Io. Canaéaó Laon, the 
Earl of Clancarty, also called Baron of Blarney, whose chief residence was at 





YnI. | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'BAHILLY. 237 


waub 


ON HIS REMOVING TO DUINNEACHA, BESIDE TONN 
TOIME IN KERRY. 


The truly wet night seems long to me, without sleep, without snore, 
Without cattle, or wealth, or sheep, or horned cows ; 

A storm on the wave beside me has troubled my head, 

Unused in my chialdhood to the noise or the roaring of rivers. 


H the protectane prince from the bank of the Laune were alive, 

And the band who were sharers with him,——who would pity my 
misíortune,— 

Ruling over the fair, sheltered regions, rich in havens, and eurved, 

My children should not long remain in poverty in a watery land. 


The great, valant MacCarthy, to whom baseness was hateful, 
Io And MacCarthy from the Lee, enfeebled, in captivity, without 
release, 
MacCarthy, prince of Kanturk, with has children in the grave— 
It is bitter grief through my heart that no trace of them is left. 


My heart has withered up within my breast, the humours of my 
body are troubled, 

Because the warriors who were not íound niggardly, and who 
inherited the land 

From Cashel to the waves of Cliodhna and across to Thomond, 

Have their dwellings and their possessions ravaged by foreign 
hosts. 





Blarney until 1688. For an account of the Earl mentioned here see XLVII. 

II. The branch of the MacCairthys, called MacDonogh, owned Kanturk, In 
Oueen Elisabeth's time they erected a magnificent building, the walls of which 
remain entire. [t was a parallelogram 120 feet in length and 80 feet in breadth, 
flanked with four sguare buildings; the structure was four stories high, ana the 
flankers five, but Elisabeth ordered the building to be stopped lest it might afford 
a stronghold for rebels. "This family forfeited their estates by taking part in the 
rebellion of 1641. 


28 oúNc4a aoohaaúinNn uí nachailLte. [vn. 


4 eonn po cíop ir aoinoe céim ao h-áno, 
TIeabain mo cínn claoióce óo” béiceac cá ; 
Cabain oá o-aáegaó aníp so h-éminn báin, 

2o Oo álam nac bínn oo óínnpann péin ao bnásaio. 


I7;. The poet here addresss himself to the great cascade, now called 
O'Sullivan's, which dashes into the lake beneath, even when no storm is raging, 
with an awe-inspiring sounil. 


Yn. | THE POEM& OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 


Thou wave below, which dashest from such a height, 
The senses of my head are overpowered with thy bellowing, 
Were help to come again to fair Erin, 

ao I would thrust thy discordant clamour down thy throat. 


s 


29 


30 oáNc4a aoohaaúiN uí nRachalille. [wm. 


MEu0L, 


DOaluiNoíN DRÚN. 


Oo leaénasa an ciac oiacnac pá m' Pean-cpoióe oún 

lar o-caroíolvnanoiabaliapaósa a b-peanann Cuimmn óusainn; 
Seamall ain ánian ianéóain oán éeancap, níosaóc Tilnman 
Fá oeana óam cpmall mai onc, a Dailncín bnhún. 


Cairol san éhan, pPialceac, ná manenaióe ain o-cúip, 
Ir beanna bnuis Dmain cianéóuillce maonaoib úire, 
€alla san cman csmaóa oo macaib nís TIuman 

Eá oeana óam small mam once, a Dailimeín Dnpún. 


O'apema Pigó an pialónamé oo éleacsaná pí ain o-cúip, 
io Ó neaomaó an paac iapaósa a n-oginsean-óéoill Rúip : 

Seacnaio aapa sanian-c-Pnaéó 31T cail?ree caoin ciuin 

Fá oeana óam cmall nam onc a Dailineín Dnun. 





VIII.—The subject of this pathetic, if bitter poem, was Sir Valentine Brown, 
the fifth baronet of that name and the third Viscount Kenmare. He was born 
in 1695. -During his youth he was an outlaw owing to the attainder of has 
father. In November, 1720, he marrned Honora Butler of Kilceash, in the County 
of Tipperary, who died of smallpox in 1730. He married seeondly Mary, daughter 
of Maurice Fitsgerald, Esga., of Castle Ishin, in the County of Cork, the relict of 
Justin, fifth Earl of Fingall. He died on the 30th of June, 1736. See Archdall”s 
“ Lodge,?? wol. wii., p. 57. 

From numerous allusions throughout his works, both prose and verse, it is 
obvious that our poet cheirished a peculiar affeetion for the Brown family. Indeed 
some of his prose satires seem to have been inspired by his indignation at their 
having been made outlaws while their lands became the prey of adventurers. We 
do not know what reguest of his was refused by Brown which called forth these 
bitter verses. That he was in his old age when they were composed is certain from 
internal evidence. [It is also certain that they eannot have been wnitten later than 
1754, fíor in that year the Earl of Clancarty died at Prals-Hoff in the territory 
of Hamburg. It is difheult to exaggerate the pathos of this poem. “The poet 
represents himself as weeping in his old age for the banished nobles of the Gael, 
and im his need turning to one of the usurpers by whom he is repelled. 


Ei EE Rss — uvmm——s 


H 





YIII. | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 31 


AJUU 


VALENTINE BROWN. 


A distressine: sorrow has spread over my old hardened heart 

Since the foreign demons have eome amonest us in the land of 
Conn, 

A eloud upon the sun of the west to whom the kingship of 
Munster was due; 

It is this which has caused me ever to have recounrse to thee, 
Valentine Brown. 

y 

First, Cashel without society, guest-house, or horsemen, 

And the turrets of Brian's mansion black-flooded with otters, 

Ealla without a third of the chiefs descended from the kings of 
Munster ; 

It is this which has made me ever to have recourse to thee, 
Valentine Brown. 


The wild deer has lost the noble shape that was her wont before, 
Io “Since the foreign raven nestled in the thick wood of Ross; 
'The fishes shun the sun-lit stream and the ealm,delightful rivulet; 
It is this that has caused me ever to have recourse to thee, 
Valentine Brown. 





I. caac. Disease in general, and the names of diseases in partieular, are 
often used figuratively to denote sorrow, distress, Or anguish. ciaó is a 
feeling of smothering on the chest caused by cold, and its application here to 
sorrow, that, as it were, spreads over the heart, is singularly apt. 470. oún: 
hardened, senseless, passionless from age, as the trunk of an old tree may be 
called oún. 6. The full expression is oo maonaoib ; the 
preposition is omitted, leaving the aspiration. Ó could not be the preposition 
here. 470. úire”, for mipae, to suit the metre. 

7. Galla. “The district of Ealla, or Duhallow, had a great many minor 
chieftains under the clan system. Core was the first king of Cashel. 

Io. iaracca : MS. apraócac, but metre reguires the Cé elided. 0. paac: 
M paaóac, but which does not read well with neaoana. 


32 oáNca aoohaaúdin uí nachailLe. [wm. 


Oainmip cian lanla ní ace "on óloimn úin, 

0 hambuna, mo céiaé!. lanla na preabac príoóac púsac ; 
Seananopa haé ag oíian-óol pé éeaccan oíob púo 

Fá oeana óam small piam onsc a baiúncín bnún. 


Clúm na n-ealcan meana pnáimap ne saoi 
Tan lúineac oealb cais ain Páprac pPngaoia, 
Oiúlcaro ceaéna a lacsa éál oá laoia, 

ao Ó fiuubail píop Dail a s-ceanc na s-Cánéóac s-caoin. 


Oo reiúnaia Pan a óeanea a n-áinoe cpíoc, 
(a cnúe cán dib an lHlanr oo bápaia pin; 
Túpaslao aiéis áeannaó lán an cpnín, 

(6 bnúsaó na manb cnapna ó Páil ao nínn. 





I3. Ommip is Valentia Island; Domhnall MacCarthy More was made Earl 
of Clancare and Baron of Valentia by Elisabeth; the poet laments that a MacCarthy 
no longer holds the title. 

I4. hambuns : see XLVII. 16, note. I7-1I8. alamhn in M. I read 
clúm in 17, which suits the metre, and lúineac in 18 should be understood to 
mean “covering ” or “fur.? 

20. Sir Valentine Brown rendered some services to the Eh;abethan govern- 
ment in connexion with the surveying of escheated lands, for which he was 
rewarded with “all those manors, castles, lordships, lands, and hereditaments 
whatever, in the counties of Cosmainge and Onaght O'Donoghue, in the counties 
of Desmond, Kerry, and Cork, late or sometime being in the possession of Teige 


YyII. ] THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 33 


Dairinis in the west—it has no lord of the noble race; 

Woe is me! in Hamburg is the lord of the gentle, merry heroes; 
Aged, grey-browed eyes, bitterly weeping for each of these, 
Have caused me ever to have recourse to thee, Valentine Brown. 


'The feathers of the swiít flocks that fly adown the wind 
Like the wretched fur of a cat on a waste of heather; 
Cattle refuse to yield their milk to their calves 

2o Since Valentine usurped the rights of the noble MacCarthy. 


Pan directed has eyes high over the lands, 

Wondering whither the Mars had gone whose departure brought 
us to death; 

Dwearfish churls ply the sword of the three fates, 

Hackine the dead crosswise from head to foot. 





macDermod macCormac, and Rorie O'Donoghue More.” 179. For ríonr bail 
M has an Uail. 22. There can be no doubt that the Mars is the 
Pretender, so ““IWanr san banna,” VI.5. oo bápaa pinn -—- oo cui pinn 
cum bú”, or rather oo léis oúinn bárp o'Pasáil. 

23. The MS85. practically all agree as to the text. One MS. in the Royal 
Irish Academy has muirpolio ais óanaóo lán an cníTn, but none other that I 
have seen aspirates the 5 of soeannaó ; for an cnín : cf. XVIIL. 40— 


Ue comacsa onaoióeacoea an cnín ban ánra, 


lán - lann (?). The anéna alluded to are, no doubt, men of the stamp of Cronin 
and Griffin: see Introd. 


YOL. II. p 


34 oúNcda gaoohaaúáin uí nachalilLe. ie: 


Ise 


NUAIR 00 CUIR N4 h-einic18 easDoa Concaióe 
can Lean. 


mo bpón ! mo mulleaó anoir mo leun le luaóo! 
On rsaeól amnc Cluimm óua me oéanac, ouainc ; 
To praeóip oo prauil, oo bpir mo Péan, mo Puan, 
€óm oo óun can mun ain éiaíon uainn. 


To pcón, mo ciroe nua a n-éinpeaós uaim 

mo cóin, mo cíon, mo Cu10 oo'n óléin aan énugp ; 
Híon león leir pmn san pnué na péile puain; 
Can bócna a mbnuo ó cuineaó é monuan ! 





IX.—John Baptist Sleyne was appointed Bishop of Cork on the 13th April, 
1693. In 1694 he was put in charge of Cloyne also. He was then 55 years of 
age, and was well known in Rome as a Professor of Moral Theology in the College 
of the Propaganda. In the list of unrolled parish priests of the year 1704 he is 
mentioned as an ordaining bishop up to the year 1698. [Im that year he was taken 
prisoner at Cork. On the 27th March,1703,he wrote a letter,in French, to Cardinal 
de Giamsone from which we translate a few extraets :—-' God at last permitted that 
I should be taken prisoner in my episcopal eity, where I remained in this state for 
five years, being the most part of the time in bed ; until, at the close of last month, 
the mayor and aldermen of Cork made me rise up from my bed by means of a troop 
of soldierg, who, without having regard either to my advanced age, or to the state 
to which freguent pains of gout and gravel have reduced me, carried me off in the 
gight of all the people in a little boat which landed me a few days ago a league 
from Lisbon, where I had the consolation of being immediately visited by the 
French Ambassador, who, as a worthy minister of so great and so pious a monarch, 
has offered me his lodgings and everything that heceould dotoaidme.?” “Translated 
from Spieilegúan Ossorviense, vol. i., p. 369. 'The Nuncio in Lisbon, writing on the 
24th of Apuil, 1703, about this new arrival, says ;:—“: Notwithstanding the Act of 


Tx. | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 35 


IS, 


WHEN THE BISHOP OF CORK WAS SENT OVER THE 8EA 
BY THE HERETICS. 


My grief, my undoine: now, my anguish to be related ! 

'The bitter tidings I hear has made me tearful and troubled, 

It has upset, my mind, it has shattered my happiness and my 
rest, 

The sending of John across the main from us by force. 


Mx store, my treasure, he has taken from me all at once, 

My justice, my affection, my favourite among the clergy without 
harshness, 

He was not content that I should lack the stream of refreshing 
generosity ; 

Since he is put in bondage beyond the main, woe is me! 





Parliament banishing all the Prelates and the Religious from that kingdom, he would 
not abandon the flock entrusted to him; for which reason he was thrown into 
prison, and kept there many years in such rigorous confinement that he was not 
permitted to converse with any one. Nevertheless some Catholics found means to 
penetrate into his cell, and he exerecised his sacred ministry as best he could. 'The 
Protestant ministerg being enraged at this, compelled him, so to say, to embark 
naked, on a sudden, in a little vessel that was sailing for Portugal.?— 79. 

'The Sovereign Pontiff, in a letter, 4” fon óresis, to the King of Portugal, on 
behalf of the Diish Catholics, dated September, 1709, makes honourable mention of 
Dr. Sleyne. Dr. Sleyne died at the convent of Buon Successo, February 16th, 1712. 

'The departure of Dr. Sleyne in a little boat from Cork is the subject of the 
above lyric as well as that by Mac Cartain (L). 


7. Pumn- PudoTne, ' refreshing.” Perhaps na réile puaimsc “the hospitality 
which he had got,” that is, with which he was endowed. Perhaps for rann we 
should read pin. 

8. 'The last line stands by itself (?), ““Alas, that he was sent across the sea into 
captivity.” 

p 2 


36 oáNc4a daoohaaúiM uí nachalilLe. [s: 


TE 


4aN FPILe 4 85-C41SLeáN 4NM cÓCÓdiIR. 


Oo faubal mire an lilumain mín, 

'Só óúinne an Ooine so Oún na Ríos, 

To cuma níon bpireaó céan Púsac pínn 
óo peicrnce bhua Caós an Oúna. 


Oo meapar am” ainne :T Pór am” énoióe, 
((n manb ba manb sun beó oo bf, 
48 canbarp macha peóil ip pPíon, 

Punch oá caeiom iT bnansa. 


PFeóil oo beanaib aip éanla ón o-cuínn 

IO Ceólsca, ar cancain, ir cnaop na oiS5e; 
Rórpoa blapoc, 1T céin san cimeal, 
Conainc :T agóain 3ip ampcnac. 


Onponas as iméeaóc, IT onona as cióeaóc, 
lr onona as nacaieaóc oúinn ao bínn, 
Opona cain rpallmaib úpa as smóe, 

'S as leasaó na b-plaisear so ceannpa. 


X.— Castle Tochar belonged to a branch of the Mac Carthy family renowned 
for their hospitality. The Tadhg an Duna mentioned in this poem was the second 
of that name. He died in 1696, and was lamented in fervid strains by O'Rahilly 's 
satirist, Domhnall na Tuille. O'"Rahilly must have been young when Tadhg an 
Duna died, but probably was a freguent visitor to the Castles of Toghar and Dun- 
manway, as he seems to have resided in his youth, for some time at least, in Iveleary, 
which adjoins the territory once owned by the Mac Carthys of Gleann an Chroim. 
The plot of this little poem is as beautiful as its descriptions are fresh. “Tadhg 
an Duna was no more; strangers were holding sway in his mansion when 
the poet visited the old haunt. Yet so lavish is the board, so many visitors come 
and go, so varied are the amusements, that he thinks old Tadhg is again alive amid 


sói] THE POEMS OF EGAN O"RAHILLY. 37 


x. 


THE POET AT CAISLEAN AN TOCHAIR. 


I have traversed fair Munster, 

And from the corner of Derry to Dun na Riogh 

My grief was not checked, merry though I was, 
Till I beheld the mansion of Tadhg an Duna. 


I thought within my soul and eke within mgy heart 

That the dead, who had died, was alive, 

Amidst the carouse of the youths with meat and wine, 
Where punch was drunk, and brandy. 


Meat on spits, and wild íowl from the ocean; 
IO Music and sone, and drinking bouts; 
Delicious roast meat and spotless honey, 
Hounds and dogs and baying. 


A company goine, and a company coming, 

And a company entertaining us melodious|y, 

And a company praying on the cold flags, 
And meekly meltane the heavens, 





his revellers as of yore. But the mystery is explained. It is Warner who has 
taken the place of the generous chieftain. For a very interesting account of Tadhg 
an Duna, and of Gleann an Chroim, see “ The Mac Carthys of Gleann an Chroim,”? 
by Daniel Mac Carthy Glas. See also Introduction to XXXVIII. 


I. The more usual form of ace.is Iuma. “The M88. have po after mín, 
and the next line begins with Cúinne, 

2. Perhaps the corner of Ireland in which Derry is situated is meant. Oún 
na Ríoaá, perhaps Tara. 

6. ba manb. MSS. oo manb. II. MS8. cimall. I2. M8. co6acc. 


38 oáNca aoohaaáiNM uí nRachailLe. [x. 


Nó so b-puapap panar ó aon oon cúince, 
óun b'í Warner ceannapac péim slan púsac, 
Oo bí ran m-baile seal aopoa ólúmuil, 

20 Flaie nan b-pann noim óeonuóe. 


'Sé Oia oo ónuóin an paosal plán, 

Tr 6ua pial a n-ionao an pPéil puain bár, 

(6 nian ain muinin, ain cléin, ain óáim, 
Cunaó nac pallpa, món-ópoióe. 


20 


THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 39 


Until one of the mansion gave me to know 

That it was Warner, the affectionate, the mild, the pure, the 
joyous, 

Who was in this bright, ancient, famous dwelling, 
A chieftain not weak in hospitalty to strangers. 


It is God who has created the whole world, 
And given us one generous man for another that has died, 
Who bestows upon families, scholars, and bards, 

A champion not false, and great o£ heart. 


40 odáNca aoohaaúinN uí nachalilLte. [sr 


UI. 


O'PINNáIN u4 OONNCUÓOd4 4N áleaNNa. 


PFáilce in oa'ciro ó ónaoiéib céao 
Oo bláé na preabac nac ípiol méin, 
Ó áicneab Saspon io cimnce ogaon, 
óo h-ánur Pleaprada na reana-ban. 


Coimpaaóo cunasa, cnáibeeac, caoin, 
Faire man Opsan a m-beannan baosai, 
NMeanc cneun, po!ilbin, prároa, réim, 

Tr cuan na Danba cá lán laa. 


Súil ir saluire “ná onúcc ain Peón, 
IO Úir na cnuimne asup pPíonn-oain món, 
Tr clú oá céime 'pan lTilunain so oeó, 
Cn Phoemix áno nae cnannoa. 


Uaoc mean sneansa, salan, oíneac, paal, 
Oo pnéim na FPleapada 'T oo Píol na b-Fhann, 
Céile sgipae, pean Ppíonca man, 

Finnam snoióe mac Oomnaill, 





XI.— Finneen O'Donoghue was son of the O'Donoghue Dubh of the Glen, and 
was an object of dread and terror to the settlers. Colonel Hedges writes, in 1714, 
that he was the man they most feared in Kerry. He appears to be the person who 
figures as Finneen Beg in the correspondence with the Castle oflicials of the period. 
Tt is curious to note from what different points of view our poet and a man like 
Colonel Hedges estimate his character. Any one who studies the records of those 
troubled times will see how justly the poet describes Finneen when he calls him the 
stay of his country and theshelter of the bards. Miss Hickson thinks that Finneen 
afterwards joined the Irish Brigade in the French service. See in “ Old Kerry 
Records,”” vol. ii., the chapter entitled ““ Kerry in the Eighteenth Century.” 


XI. | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 41 


XI. 


TO FINNEEN O'DONOGHUE OF THE GLEN. 


One and forty welcomes trom a hundred druids 
To the flower of warrors, of mein not lIowly, 
From the home of the nigeardly, guilty Saxons, 
To the dweiline of the Flesk, of the slender women. 


A stage, vahliant, devout, gentle, 
A chieftain like Osgar in the gap of danger, 
A power, brave, pleasant, peaceful, mild, 
And a haven to Banba, who is very weak. 


An eye more sparkline than the dew upon the grass, 
IO Mould of the world, and a fair, great oak, 
An honour to his race in Munster for ever 
Is the high Pheenis, not shrivelled. 


A warrior, nimble, shapely, pure, honourable, hospitable, 
Of the root-stock of the Flesk, and of the seed of the Fianna, 
Wedded to heroism, a man who distributes wines, 

Is the valorous Finneen, son of Domhnall. 


5. coinfaaó, lit. “hound stag.” coin has an intensitive sense, as in cona- 
úiabal; cannPiaó would give assonance. 

8. For lán-l1aa, perhaps lom-laa, or pann laa should be read. 

Io. úin I have translated  mould,” but the meaning seems doubtful. Some 
MSS. have ún. “The word has a host of meanings. Perhaps “the sun of the 
universe ” is the proper translation. 

I2. Phcenix has no very particular meaning, the idea is “a paragon of per- 
fection,” “something unigue.” 


42 oáNca gaoohaadúiM uí nRachailLte. [u. 


Uaral o'abna ó nífócib é, 

Uan na preabac ón Inpe an laoc, 

1r buan-ceap copnaim oá cín so cneun 
20 Cn nísa-Pean uaibneac ceannpa. 


Con oor canmuin o'éispíb Cuínn, 

Cnaob baó naóman ó Léan-loc unn, 

Réilceann o'aibis o'pul éibin Fínn; 
Táilce Uí Cealla oon blanoa, 


I7. o'abia, lit. “ripened ?”; that is, sprung from, and came to maturity 
cf. ““o'abaa im” éaob-ra cnéim asup cneao,” which ripened in my side a 
smarting and a sigh.—'““ Arachtach Sean.” 

I8. ón Inpe, the name of the place where O'Donoghue lived at Glenflesk. 

21. Cuínn. MS. óaonn, but this is also the reading of M in VIII. 2, where 
A has Cuinn, both words are pronounced alike. 


“Ti. | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 43 


A noble is he who ripened from kings; 

Lamb amongst the warriors from Inch is the hero; 

A lasting head of defence for his country with bravery 
20 Is the princely man, proud and gentle. 


The only bush of refuge left to the bards of Conn, 

A prosperous branch amongst us from Lough Lein, 

A star that ripened from the blood of Eibhear Fionn; 
O'Kelly 's welcome to the young scion. 


22. The O'Donoghues of Glenflesk were a branch of the O'Donoghues of 
Lough Lein. “The latter drove the O'Carrolls from around Lough Lein, and 
gettled there, giving the district the name of Eoghanacht Locha Lein, and after- 
wards Eoghanacht Uí Dhonnchadha. 

24. Uí Cealla; the allusion is obseure. A poem by O”Brudar opens with 


this phrase. 


44 oáNc4a aoohaaúinN uí nRachanlLe. [xn. 


Si, 


GIR Dás cRÍR CUOINNe C41Ó85 UÍ CRÓINÍN. 


Oo a&éir an Ráiné Tilóp, oo naobaó a peól, 
Oo leunaó a peun pm, oo bléapra cis an bnpóin; 
Oo léin-emneaóo ceó nac léin oam an póo 
(in a h-aol-bnoa oo b” péile, cár leanman an paseól. 


Oo béim-pramopab Pór le cneun-ómle món 

4 snéionpe, "ra reuocnb, "pa caolac, "pa ceól, 
Oo léim-mé an pmól iona h-éaoan oá oósaó 

(I caom-óuilce oaona 'T a paon-ceoinn óin. 


Ir ecaac amncs 3p cpeiágo, Tr pian-ámn san leisegap, 
IO lr oian-cneac “pan ianéóan ir piaabnur oub ceinn; 
Trian aoil aan meiíóin, chab-eéunpe caíióim 
Giblín a a-cné éille, Oiaonmuo, i Caogs. 


4 Óia o'Puilinge cneióúill aip man-locs an ocall 

Ooo? niam-bnos leac manaa an cman po pPó ánem; 
Caallnaó so praiobin oá b-paal-aecain agióim, 

Go b-piaopai ré prléaccaó ooo” óia-éoil ao” naóanc. 





XII.—In the O'Curry Catalogue of the R.I.A. M88. the children lamented in 
this most beautiful elegy are said to belong to Timothy Cronin, whereas in the 
Catalogue of the British Museum MS5., where it is stated that they were drowned, 
Patrick is the name given. “There is a copy of the poem in vol. 69 of the Renehan 
M88., Maynooth. [In the “: Book of Claims”? on forfeited estates entered on or 
before the 10th of August, 1701, we have the following entry :—'“: No. 2215, Darby 
Cronine claims a term for three lives, two in being, on Raghmore Shimmogh 
(should be Shinnagh) and Mills, and four (illegible) of Clonntyny, by lease dated 
20th October, 1675. “Witnesses, Edward Daniel, Connell O'Leary, and another. 
Forfeiting proprietor Nicholas Browne 4a/ies Lord Kenmare.” Copied from ““ Old 
Kerry Records,” vol. i., p. 225. For references made by Colonel Hedges to the 
Cronins in his correspondence with Dublin Castle, see Introduction. 


6. reuo4aiD, dat. for nom. 0. caolac, M8. caollao, “the roof wattling 
OoÍ a. house under the thatch ”?! (see Stokes' Lismore Lives, index, p. 387): what 
corresponds to the wibs of a man. —Hence “the breast' of a man: cf. oá 


xII. | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 45 


seile 


ON THE DEATH OF TADHG O'CRONIWS THREE 
CHILDREN. 


Rathmore moaned, her sails were rent, 
Her prosperity was maimed, the house of sorrow burst ; 
A fog fell so thickly that I cannot see the sward, 
On her lime-white mansion, the most hospitable— sore affliction 
is the tidings. 


Moreover, violently snatched away by a strong, great ílood 
Are her prises, her jewels, her roof-tree, her music; 
A spark leaped up unto her forehead, burning her 
And her beautiful, precious coverlets, and her noble goblets of 


gold. 
Tt is bitter sorrow and torture, it is painful wounding without 
cure, 
Io It is a sore calamity in the west, it is a black, sickly fever, 
It is a longing to weep, without mirth, it is a fit of heart- 
sickrkness,— 
That Eileen is in the clay of the churchyard, and Diarmuid 
and Tadhg. 


O Lord, who didst suffer death and the signal insult of the bhnd, 
Conduct to Thy mansion of brightness the three who are in 
bondage ; 
A store of wisdom I beseech for their hospitable father, 
That he may be able to bow down in Thy sight before Thy 
Divwine Will. 





nsealannab pín-óílhe 'r oá a-caolaó ún, XXII. 222. It also means rods 
or wattles, apart from their connexion with roofing : see II. 42, and XXVI. 87. 
13. cneíóil. O'R. gives cneiúil báip, “the knell of death.” 470. man 
loc: ef. na man-banc peólca, XY. 40, and nian unóan, Blaithíleasg, p. 25. 
Is. caallnaó, from ciall, like pulnaó, from puil. 9. rpaóban must be 
pronounced T4a10in, one syllable; aaióim, Íor aouióim. 


46 oáNc4a aoohaadiM uí nachalilLe. [xn. 


Cní péanla san cimeal baó péimm-oilce pliae, 
Cní néió-Coinmol snéine cní aon-óapoa a naníoim, 
CIpí oéapa nán cólaoin, níon b'aopnman a n-aoip, 
20 Cní néilceann a o-cnéiéce 'T a m-bnéiéne san puimp. 


Cní ceuoa baó bínn, cní cnéacsca “pan cín, 
Cní naom-leinb naoméóa, éus seun-Preanc oo Cníopre; 

(I o-cní m-beul, a o-cní a-cnoióe, a o-cní paon-conp Pá líos, 
(I o-cní n-euoan baó éálésaeal ag oaolaib, ip oíe. 


Cní Ppíonúin baó caoin, cní colúin san baoip, 

Cpí pníom-ubla cnaoib úin baó níseamail a o-cfóeap; 
Cpí píonn-cúin an ee, nán cníon-óiúlca anaoi, 

d o-cní prlím-com a míon-ónúíó oo líon oubac mo énoióe. 


Cní oí lom a n-oíe, cní caoi cúir mo ógaoi, 
3o Cnpí aoin-póio an naom-úino, cní clí cúmna bí; 
lr sun raníob cuagao oon €31ll cní anaoií múince snínn, 
4 Rís, reiúin oo0” nís-cúinc an oíp úo 'pran c-aoin. 


I8. néióo-coimmol: MS8. né-comnol. 4. aon-óáaroa: cf. aon-óeal: 
also a n-aoin-cuila anaéó, XVI. 
21. cnéaóca means “cuttings, ravines, deep valleys” : af.— 
“ Cnéacsa an salaim as pneasanc '“r as epPósainc.”—XXII. 8. 
It seems improbable, from the context, that cnéacoca has the meaning “ wounds,' 


here. 
31. roníob, MS8. rpramob, but cf. “ beió me as roníobaó aom.”” 


xi; | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 47 


Three stainless pearls, three of mild, polished manners, 
Three calm candles of the sun, three most skilful in action, 
Three ears of corn, without bending, who were not old in years, 
20 Three stars in virtues and words without pride. 


Three melodious strings, three glens in the earth, 
Three sainted, holy children who fondly loved Christ, 
Their three mouths, their three hearts, their three noble bodies 
beneath a stone, 
Their three fair, bright foreheads the prey of chafera—it is 
ruin ! 


Three fair vines three doves without folly, 
Three prime apples from a fresh bough, that were royal in 
their dwelline, 
Three fair turrets of the house, three with faces not old, nor 
Íorbidding ; 
Their three slender waists, their smooth cheeks, have filled 
my heart with sorrow. 


A triple loss their loss to me; a triple lamentation the cause of 
my weeping— 
3o The three sole standing grounds of the saered c]lergy, three 
gweet live breasts ; 
And since they have passed to Thee, to the grave—the three of 
refined and cheerful aspeect— 
O King, direct them to Thy royal mansion—those two and the one. 


48 oáNca aoohaasúin uí nRachailLte. [xm. 


BIR 


manÓónNa sedaóúáiN ÓRÚIN. 


Cápa cné a a-coró1ío oeanca oeóna, 

Fás cré a b-peacaro cnanna nip cón-cnuic, 
Cár cné a a-cneaesaro plaéóa ar mónóa, 
Seasán mac Úa a b-peanc ain peoógaó. 


4 bái, no meallaip leac án lócnann, 

Fál án n-anban án m-bailce 'r án o-cónnam, 
ódánoa an o-ceac án m-ban “Tr án m-bólaóoscs, 
dún rsáe nomn pseancib peansda póinne. 


Ón raaé oín án nís ir án nó-Plaé, 
IO Ón 5-Ccloago cnuaió so buan eum comhaic, 
Ón nsnman seimpe, án roillpe, án locnann, 
ún s-cnann basmn, án o-caiéniom, án nalóine. 


Ón o-cún oginaíon nia naimaip, án s-cnóóacs 

Ón s-ciall, án naóanc, án b-peióm, án mópnóion, 
ún nsnaoi 'T án méin, án nané 'T án rósacgp;, 

Ón m-báó, án m-banc, án maipe ir án m-beóbacc. 


(in n-Oprsan ceann, án labanéa, án nsalónéóa, 
Ón Phenix mullas, án s-cunaó aip án s-coméónom, 
Ón n-anm a n-am peapamn le pónluóc, 

20 Ón Caepan cneun, án néilceann eóluip. 


XIII.—For remarks on this poem see Introduction. “There are two copies 
among the Murphy MS88., but only one gives the whole poem; the other omits 
geveral stan7?as in the middle; one copy in the R.I.A. omits the same stansas. In 
the heading of a R.1I.A. copy it is stated incorreetly that John Brown was the 
grandfather of (the then) Lord Kenmare. Captain John Brown of Ardagh, the 
subject of this elegy, died without issue August 1óth, 1706; thus we have fixed 





xiii. | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 49 


LE: 


ELEGY ON JOHN BROWN. 


News through which eyes stream forth tears, 

The reason why trees and stately hills bend down, 

A trouble through which mightaiest, chiefs tremble, 

Is that John, son of Valentine, is mouldering in a tomb. 


O death, thou hast enticed away with thee our torchlight, 
The fence of our harvests, of our homes, of our wakes, 
The guard of our houses, of our women, of our kine, 

Our protection against the flayine knives of brigand bands. 


Our shield of safety, our prince, our high chieftain, 
Io Our steel helmet enduring for the fight, 

Our winters sun, our light, our torch, 

Our staf£f to threaten, our darline, our glory, 


Our strong tower against the foe, our valour, 

Our reason, our sight, our strength, our great love, 
Our visage, our mien, our comeliness, our delight, 
Our boat, our ship, our beauty, our vigour, 


Our stout Osgar, our speech, our voice, 
Our Pheenix of the mountain top, our champion, onr justice, 
Our weapon when we have to stand against vast troops, 

20 Our strong Cesar, our guiding star. 











accurately the date of this poem. He had for a long time acted as agent on the 
REenmare Estate. 


4. mac bail. John Brown was son of Sir Valentine Brown, second baronet 
ofthatname. 140. peócaúó; MS., peocaimnce. 

6. M o-conain. A o-coinniíb. 

18. Phoonis. One M8. an ppeine (s an b-peinníú), : our champion.” 
It is doubtful whether a particular “mullach”? is meant. 


VOL. III. E 


50 odáNc4a aoohaaúiN uí nRachalilLte. [xm. 


To nuan an cín pá paíor ao' óeóia-pe, 
lr iao san cmiaé aóc Oia na alóine, 
Ón as-coillce oá príon-pamop le póppa, 
Ir uaóma aa blaiópá “na n-oóinmb. 


(cá THRagsomóe ao pmai aan nócan, 

Cá Call (únne cápman oeónac, 

Oá éaob maimnae pé sallaib san ceóna, 
Sliab Uuacna a naugipeacc oá Pósnaó. 


Cn uan oo mé an muin can cóncar, 

3o 'S an can oo bnir Loc óuin Pá móineib, 
Cún sém an Ruip oo épmé an cóiae, 
Cnéimpe nom a óul ain peócao. 


Oo mé nealea ón rpéin an €osanaóc, 
Cún Phebus oo éuic éichpp ceó óuib, 

Oo bí an nae ran c-aoóan ao bnónac, 
lr Léan-loc as séimneaó ao cóinpreac. 


Oo bí an Uaoi oá éaoin, baó cóin on, 

Ir Oún Daoi na laoónaó póinmnc, 

Oún Oaaóa ao oúbac cneacac oeónac, 
40 Ir Oún 4onpiun ao cnéaccac cóinpeac. 


Cn sumpeaóc ro an Cuamain oo bneóis me, 
'S an bumóneaim po ain Cluan na n-óa-bpeié, 
Duaióneair ir ouaincea?, oá Pósainc, 

Oá éiliom sun prséis rúo oá b-pónaib. 





22. This line oceurs again, with a little change, XXXIV. 24. 

23. A special stipulation, about the woods, was made at the sale of Brown's 
estate to Asgill. 'They were to be handed over to the purchaser, The woods, it is 
said, were destroyed to the value of £20,000 : see Introd. 

24. U$aóma : Leinstermen, or Palemen. 19, as blaómá. Ma 
m-blhaóna, which disturbs the metre, and gives but indifflerent sense 
blaióneac - blaónaóo, : braying, roaring.” 





XIII. | 


3o 


49 


THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 51 


Alas! the land is weaned at thy loss! 

Its people without a lord, save the God of glory ! 
Our woods are being destroyed by violence, 

And Leinstermen clamourning at our people's doors. 


Magomhy is helpless, without a spouse ; 

Killarney is guerulous and tearful ; 

On either side of the Maine the foreigners hold boundless sway 
And Shabh Luachra is nn trouble proclaiming his death. 


When the sea rushed beyond its bounds, 

And what time Lough Gur overflowed into the moorlanas, 
At the roar of Ross the province shook, 

A short space ere he went unto decay. 


Stars írom heaven fell on the Eoghanacht, 
And an echpse of black mist fell on Phcebus, 
The moon and the air were in grief, 

And Lough Lein moaned sorrowfullv. 


The Lee bewailed him, a3t was just she should, 
And Dunboy, of the mighty heroes ; 

And Dundaghdha was sad, oppressed, and tearful; 
And Dun Aonfhir, wounded, and sorrowful. 


'This trouble that has seised on Thomond has oppressed me, 
And this distress on Cluain of the new-birtha— 

Distress and gnef proclaiming his death, 

And claiming that he sprang from their stock. 





25. nócan,the MS. spelling. “The first syllable must be an o-sound. 


33 


-. The Eoghanacht meant is Eoghanacht O'Donoghue: see XI. 22, note. 

. baó cóm mn, because of his mother, who was péanla an Lao", Io$, infra. 
. Cluan, probably Clonmeen, the home of the O'Callaghans. 

A has buainearm ao oeonaé as posanrxc ; the whole stanaa is unsettled 


in the M88. 


E2 


52 


50 


6o 


oaNca aoohaadáiN uí nRachailLe. [xrm. 


4 m-Dun Raice oo óéaipoil an món-paoil, 

4 m-bun Rosanu"n baó óénom a naeónca, 

4 s-Cnoc Óine o'ánoma món sol, 

lr cá Cnoc Dnéannainm spaoósa a n-oeonaib. 


N: h-é an aol po IT ooiecce bneóig me, 
(éc sol na pinne bí asac man nóéan, 
Go1 na aile lén rnaiómedaó ao h-óa éu 
O'Puil an oiúic, oá ópú, IT 9á éomaurp. 


Sol an Dnúnaa consancas, ónóóa, 
(cá a Uonouin pé óub-pmaóoc póinne, 
óo1 a óloinne—rcáno uile ao bnónac, 
Ir oian-aol THáible ip cnáióce oeónac. 


Sol na onuinse lén h-oileaó cu ao” óige, 
Oo pnéim na nísée baó cumapac cnóóa, 
Laocna baó laocurp a n-aleó-bnuo, 

Oo Pleaccaib Céin puagin ném oá cóiae. 


(t Ccomóalca cléib na paon-Plais mópóa, 
Na Uaoscineaec oo bí as Émmn pópsa, 

Ir na n-onéam oo pnéimmh-Plaocc €osain 
Oán oual séilleaó an c-Sléibe 'pan Cóeconn. 


Uiacc a áaolsa, irí céim a a-cóimneainh, 
Oo snian c-TPhooc éibm, Néill ir e€osain, 
lr ná naib aon oo néiaib Póola, 

óan a ágol san béim pá oó leig. 





45. M mon-sól. 4/)., bun Raice: properly, bun Cnaonaae. 

46. M a a-Cluan Sampaoa o”anoua seóince. 

47. Cnoc 'Aine, Knockany, in county Limerick. 

48. Cnoc bneannain, Brandon Mountain, in Kerry. 

so-2. His wife was Joan, sister of Pierce, the sixth Lord Cahfr, a near relative 


of the Duke of Ormond. 


53. an bnúnaias. ONicholas, seeond Lord Kenmare, who was banished for 


his adherence to James II. He died at Brussels, in April, 1720. 





—ELT.| 


50 


6o 


THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 53 


At Bunratty a vast multitude assembled ; 
At Bun Roghair heavy were their crnies; 
At Knockaney a loud wailing arose; 

And Cnoc Breannain is subdued with tears. 


It is not this weeping that has oppressed me most painíully, 

But the weeping of the fair one whom thou hadst to wife, 

The weeping of the bright one to whom thou wert united in 
thy youth, 

Oí the blood of the Duke, of his race, and of his kinsfolk ; 


The weeping of Brown, the helpful, the valiant, 

Who is in London under the dire yoke of a horde; 

The weepine of his children—they are all sorrowtul— 

And the strong weeping of Mabel, who is troubled and teartful; 


The weeping of those with whom thou wert fostered in thy 
youth, 

Oí the root-stock of the Kings, who were able and vaiant— 

Heroes who showed heroism in the stress of battle, 

Oí the progeny of Cian, who obtained sway tor his province. 


Beloved £oster-brother of the great, noble chieftains— 

The O'Learys who were wedded to Ean, 

And the chieftains of the root-stock of Eoghan, 

Who held hereditary sway over the Shliabh and the Tochar. 


So many are his kinsmen, it is hard to tell them, 
Oí the radiant race of Éibhear, Niall, and Eoghan ; 
Nor was there one of the kings of Fodla 

Who is not doubly akin to him without blemish. 





56. Iáible ; who Mabel was, I have been unable to find out. 

6o. Céim, Cian was the third son of Olioll Oluim. 

63-4. For Tochar, see X.; for Sliabh, ,f. XXXV. 47. 

68. M san a óol san béim pa óon leir, which must be corrupt. sol will 
not correspond with béim, and pon, which means a “rule or “line,” ean hardly be 
the word the poet used; the reading in text is that of A. 


54 


79 


8o 


9o 


oáNc4a gaoohaaúiN uí RachalilLe. [xnr. 


'San méao oo &allaib baó peanóa pónl'ac, 

4 laocna, a plaéa, a manée, "ra leósain, 
Nán aéill o'accoib na Saspan, san aleó-oun, 
óo cneun can sndaó psacipedó a n-ón-pul. 


lanla epaanrma Cill Oana na s-cóipneac, 

Cn c-lanla ón Oainsean an Danpaéc “ran Róipceac, 
Gn c-lanla ó Callaib baó éaca le comnac, 

Cn c-lanla ón a-Caégail, ir ePlaéa Ounbóinne. 


Cn Cúnrac “ran euncup baó eóipse, 
Cmaé Cille Coimne, "ran Rioipe nó-éil, 
Cnase na Uace, IHRac Tuimip “ra comaup, 
'S an cniae ó Inmp Dó Pimne na g-ceólsca, 


(óban uabain bucióeanóa 'r bnónámn!, 
C([enuaó luic ir uilc aan ceóna, 

Tléaouóáaó oian cin caac "'pan ceóiae, 

Cíor bun b-peanann ag 4pail oá eóimmneaim. 


Cn oana cár, oo cnáió an cóise 
óníopa :iT Caoga a b-peióom “ra móneup 
Uén oíbneaó án paoise mónóa 

(IT a b-peanannaib caince 31T cóna. 


lTr oíe-cneac bun a-coillce ain peócaó, 

lr mailír Caiós as aóaimc man pmól oub, 
óan amnap cá a s-ceann 'pao-cóin leip, 
Ón lá o"méas raiaé unnaio na plóiáce. 


Cuiprpe cnoióoe oon cín ou ain peócaó, 
0 5séags oo pníom na míleaó mónóa, 
Ir cu án n-oíon ain áaois na bócna, 
O oíbneaó an nís ceanc le pónlacc. 





78. an Rionne, the Knight of Glin: see XX VI. 
79. cniaé na Uace, the Lord of Lixnaw, so called from a great stone supposed 


to have been on the bank of the river Brick. luc pnama, “the flag of the 
gwimming.” Mac Muiris — Fitsmaurice. 8r. uabain : see IV. 29, note. 


irí. THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 5 


Féil 


And as many of the foreigners as were virile and valiant— 
79 'Their heroes, their champions, their leaders, their warrioss, 
Who did not submit to the enactments of the Saxons, without 
talking up arms— 
Mightily, and beyond measure, was poured out their golden blood ; 


The wide ruline Earl of Kildare, of the feasts, 

The earl from Dingle, Barry, and Roche, 

The Lord of Talla, who was a stay in the battle, 

And the Lord of Cahir, and the chieftains of Dunboyne ; 


De Courcey, who was first in the conguest, 
The Lord of Kilkenny, and the much-beloved Knight, 
The Lord of Lixnaw, EFitsmaurice, and kinsmen, 

8o And the Lord of Innisbofin of the melodies. 


Cause of wounded pride, of sorrow, of distresstul weeping, 
Renewal of destruction, and of boundless evil, 

Heavy increase of sorrow in the province— 

Aggill counting the rents of your lands. 


'The second cause of anguish to the provinee '— 

Griffin and Tadhg prosperous and insolent; 

They through whose means our great nobles were expelled 
From the lands which were theirs by law and justice. 


A ruinous waste is it—xyour woods lying in decay, 

go While Tadhg”s malice burns like a black ember; 
Without guestion all of them are his trom head to foot, 
Since the day on which the shielding chief of hosts departed. 


It is anguish of heart to the land, that thou art mouldening, 
Thou branch of the ancient stock of great warriors! 

Our shelter from the winds of the ocean, 

Since the king was banishe4 by violence. 





84. Graill. John Asgill, who purchased the Lord Kenmare's estate, and 
married his daughter Joan : see Introd. 

86. Sníopa: see XVII.; Caós, Tadhg Dubh O'Cronin, a hearth-money 
collector and under-agent, whom the poet satiri;ed for his extortion : see Introd. 


56 


100 


IIO 


oúNc4a aoohaaúiN uí nachalilLe. [xnr. 


Oo bíp-re ceannpa o'pann nó nó-las, 

Oo bíp-re ceann le ceann san nó-óeanc, 
Míon eéupa an panncac cam cap mónóa, 

((Cc cniaé oo meabnaig peabar sac prompla. 


("éóim Oia ao oian ao” éomain-pe, 

(In Spíonao Maoim so cneun 'pan món-lilac, 
Óaa 'r aprcail 'r aanail “na plóiagib, 

Ooo” coimmoeaóc ao níosaóc na slóine. 


anH peanc-Lgao1o. 


Fé an lc ir oubac olúó-éunéa an Phenix óaoiúil, 
Cunaó clúmul, Cúculainn, Caepan sanoióe, 

Uile búis, anúip roicib, aoóanac, caoin, 

Oo emplhnn úin Dnúnac ip Péanla an Laoi. 


Cupaó lWluman púc acá cnaoóca, a líos, 
Cunéóa a n-úin cnú-óol ao cneun oon cín, 
Carce úino, usoan baó óeun 'ran olae, 

Cn buinne cúil, cumna oo pnéim na níos. 


( leac ir nán ao bnáe oo míopaacip-re lunn, 

Fá élair an bnáca o'Pásair mnail an a-cínn, 
Cneac in cnáó na mná pun agsac, a líos, 

bail ir Seasán ó cáio páo” bhunnaib "na lnse. 





io8. Deanla an Uao:í. John Brown's mother was Mary, second daughter 


of Cormac, Lord Muskerry; the chief residence of the Mac Carthys, of 
Muskerry, up to 1688, was Blarney, near the Lee. Io9. cup4aóú : A has 
cuinúmóe. 


II2. buimne is used of a binding layer of rods in wicker-work, either at the 


- E máiim——— uain MI úiimm-llian éa main“ ó 


XIII. | 


I00 


IIO 


THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 5 


-I 


Thou wert mild to the weak and feeble; 

Thou wert strong against the strong who had not right; 

'Thou wert not, avaricious, crooked, cantakerous, given to pride, 
But a chieftain who realised the perfection of every pattern. 


Earnestly do I beseech God in thy behalf, 

The Holy Spirit of Might, and the Divwine Son, 
That virgeins, and apostles, and angels in hosts 
May conduct thee to the kingdom of glory. 


THE EPITAPH. 


Beneath the stone, alas ! is firmly laid the Pheenax of a Gael, 

A champion of fame, a Cuchulainn, a mighty Ccesar, 

A noble of mild, peaceful countenance, gay, eomely, 

Sprung from the noble pulse o£t Brown and ofthe Pearl ot the 
Lee. 


O stone, beneath thee hes vanguished the íoremost of 
Munstermen, 

Laid in the earth—a cause of piteous bitter weeping to the 
countryx— 

'The treasure of the clergy, an authority subtle in law, 

'The íragrant binding sprout of the stock of kings. 


O stone, shameful íor ever is thy enmity towards us; 

In the furrow beneath the harrow helpless hast thou left our 
leaders; 

The ruin and woe of the women is thine, O stone, 

Since Valentine and John are lying within thy womh. 





base, or in the body of the work, The buinne cúil is the ówinne at the verge (or 
base, as the work is being woven), and hence is the binding layer. It is applied 
here to an important individual of a distinguished family. 

II4. Fá ólair an bnáca : lit., under the furrow of the harrow, that is, 
in slavery. 


58 odáNc4a aoohaaúinN uí nRachailLe. [xr. 


SD 
GIR Dás sedóúáiN mheinaÍia uí inhaCóaihN(l. 


He am uc nn ofé na cléine ! 

Uc oubac ! ip uc lom ip léana! 

Ullc cnoróe eu pínce cnéié-lag ! 

(I Seasáin ine Caiós 50 ooimin pá béillac. 


ónáinne oon énuióneacc san cosal san claonaó ! 
Diaócac snoióe ir caoireac préimh plc ! 

Laaral, áireac, oáilceac, pénmh-ólan, 

Trlúince, cumna, clúmail, béaprac. 


Uc im uc an coban péile 

Io Oo óul oon úin a o-cúip a Paoscil ! 
Ulc buan oo luóc cuanoa émaonn, 
Leasaó an leósaim cnóóa a s-cné-élme ! 


Tón-pean oilce nip ceipoe cléine 

- Fíonmn poláin, bionsán laocnaó, 
Léascóin sneanca analac éinionn, 
óuaine an oi ná onuioegaó ó óaonnacrc. 


Rór na raoice, angoi san éirhna, 
O"onanaó odámh aip báine ir éisrne— 
Ononaca pubaill na THuman le céile— 

ao 4 b-paal-bnos ánáóman áluinn áné-secl. 





XIV.— The subject oí this elegy appears to have been the father of Domhnall 
O'Mahony, of Dunloe, who wielded so much power in Kerry duining the first 
guarter of the eighteenth century : see Introduction. The only copy Í have seen 
of the poem is in the Maynooth collection. 

I. na cléine. It depends on context whether clan is to be understood of 
poets or cleries. 5. agn coagal aan claonaó0 ; for this phrase we some- 


XIV. | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 59 


XIV. 
ON THE DEATH OF JOHN O MAHONY THE RUSTY. 


Alas ! alas! the ruin of the bardic trbe! 

Blaek woe, distress, and dire tribulataon, 

Anguish of heart, that thou art stretched prostrate without 
strength, 

O John, son of Tadhe, deep beneath a huge stone. 


A grain of the wheat without chaíf or bending, 
A great almoner, a chieftain mald and joyous, 
Noble, obligine, open-handed, mild, pure, 
Accomplished, sweet, illustrious, courteous. 


Alas ! alas! the well of hospaitalty ! 

io That he should go into the grave in the beeanning of has hfe; 
O lastine woe to those who wander through Erin 
Is the laying of the valiant hero im a dress of clay. 


A great man, educated, and the treasure of the bards, 
W holesome wine, branch of heroes, 

Splendid student of the annals of Erin, 

Guairé of generosity, who Íorsook not kindness. 


Rose of the wise, countenance without blemish, 

Who clothed poets, bards, and learned men— 

The bands that wandered thronghout all Munster— 
2o [Ina hospitable, pleasing, beauteous, bright mansion. 








times find san eosal claona. 7. úareac, “ accommodating ”; áipre, “what 
is convenient”; áirreamail, “eonvenient, handy.” 

9. coban préile : ef. rnuiúc mna péile, LX. 7. I2. cné-ólunó, sic MS8., 
the usual form of culaió in Munster. I4. bíonaán, perhaps for buinneán, 
dim. of buinne : see IT. 18n., but beanaán may be the word. 

IS. oiaonanaó. M8. oo manaec. 2o. óné-seal. MS. 6-nao!n seal. 


60 oáNc4 aoohaaúáinN uí nachailLte. [r. 


LIball cumna lúbac é pin, 

Cunaó caéa cum peapaim oá nésx ceanc 

Rís-pean puainc na n-ouanccib o'éirceacr 
Oian-ónáó bhmnnánol a a-cumann 'pa s-céao-peanc. 


4 cine pian oo bí peanamual, cnéanman, 
Ciallman, páinceac, bláó ná pcaonpao, 
Cupanca, píoócman, níosóa, paobnac, 
O'Pár ó Cian a naaécib éinonn. 


Seaán “ran úin éu8 pmúis ai rpéancóaib, 

3o Sínce a b-peanc san pneab “na seusab; 
ónaoine mancaia, mean, acpuinneac, cnéiáceac, 
Réilceann eólaip, ceomet ppéine. 


Cua slar beóil aan beólab éanlaé, 
(1 óul oon úil, iT oúbac na paeulsca ! 
Coban laeéca na n-anbpann cnéis-las 
Dó na m-boóc, 'r a n-oonup aonann. 


4 peanc, a b-páince, a n-anáó, 'T a a-céaopao, 

(I a-cnú moaul, a b-popoa, 'T a péim-óué, 

(íC n-annpaoc anama, a a-canaio, 'pa a-cléineac, 
49 (I sa-Cúculaimn lá cnuúnniáce an aonaa. 


Cnuaá na o-cpnuaá oo ólí pá béilhc ! 

THac mic Seasáin Ós, áino-leósan, paon-pklaic, 
Diaócac oo nanaó na céaosa, 

óan bucnóinc, ná ooiceall, san oocma, ná oaon-bnuio, 


Oo ónum a báir cas báóao ain rppéanóaib, 
THuin so cnuaró ooóc buan ag béicis, 
Cnpuana scoalaim ir rpnaéanna ag séimma, 
Conna ain mine, ir uipae na pléibce. 





31. snaoine, no doubt from anoibe, “valiant, powerful,' which is often 
written anaoibe. 49. "The idea is, he was to them a protection such 
as Cuchulainn would be to those attacked by a hostile band at a public meeting. 


amnÓ IA Am ma 


gap 


XIV. | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 61 


39 


49 


A fragrant, strong apple was he, 

A champion in battle to defend his rightful king, 

A joyous prince in listening to poems, 

Warmlx beloved of maidens, their favounite, their first love. 


His race was manlxy and vahant, 

Wise, affectionate, a blossom that would not bend, 
Gallant, wrathful, kingly, fierce, 

Who have sprung from Cian in the lands of Erin. 


That John is in the grave has brought mist over the heavens, 
Stretched in a tomb with no motion in his limhs ; 

A valiant horseman, rapid, vigorous, well-skilled, 

A guiding star, a comet of the heavens. 


It has put a mouth-lock on the mouths of the birds, 
His going to the grave—sad is the tidings— 
Fountain of milk for the weak and prostrate, 

Cow of the poor, and their only door, 


Their prime favourite, their love, their portion, their understand- 
ing, 

Their nut of the cluster, their prop, their gentle voice, 

Their soul 's darling, their friend, their scholar, 

Their Cuchulainn on the day the assembly meets. 


Oh, pity of pities! thy breast beneath a great stone, 
Grandson of Seaghan Og, high hero, noble chieftain, 
Almoner who was wont to minister to hundreas, 
Without trouble, or churlishness, or regret, or diffieulty. 


Because of his death a deluge passed over the heasens, 
The ocean shrieked harshly, distressfully, and constantly, 
The valleys of the earth and the torrents loudly roared, 
Furious were the waves and the mountain waters. 








47. cnuana : ef. cnéaóca an calaim, XXII. 8. 
48. Mr. Bergin suggests unpae "na Pléacib - the waters mountain high.” 


62 


5o 


6o 


79 


odNca daoohaaúinN uí Rachaille. 


Cnaob asaeal ouille, mo milleaó céapca, 

Tan oo saeannaia Ccnopr rndáis a Paogsail ! 
Cnéan-pean mean snoióe pmaérsuiáegó paolcoin, 
Ná npaib saalloa cannelac caoncupa. 


DáT mic Caóg ir rnaióm am aeib-pe, 

lr cnéim am áóálunaib cúinpeac, cnéié-laa, 
Duan-éneao cínn am clícíoc céacca, 

Ir Piabnurp asoile ao cniéneac am aeib-pe. 


To inéinn cínn aan bnís ná éipeaoc, 

Tho lám dain píiona-epnis, oéan me paon-las, 
Lúes mo cor' dun copa a n-éinpPeaóoc, 

(ls caoi mo mancais san cosal ná claonaó. 


Ir cá a Pán-Paor as bánodb éimonn 

óun neac níosóa an smpeiíóeac ro oéanpam, 
Rís-cú an pean po oo Pleaóccaib éibin, 

O” áno-óúóoup Cláin mluman le céile. 


lI1ball cnáibceeac, áluinn, cnéin-mnc, 

Oo béanpaó oeoc oon oéan áné-seal, 

Diao oá eapbaió, cíoó oanaío man Teul pin, 
lr nán oún a oonup nom Tocnaro céaocc. 


4 peanéap alún cá annpúo le céile 


[siy. 


'S an Leaban lIluimneac poníobéa ón a-céao Pean, 


Mó a Salcain beannmaóce Caipil san claonao, 
Oo psaníob Conmac, coban na cléine. 


To nuan a mnámuil mánla, aléaseal, 

lilúmce, éumna, ólúmul, béapac 

Oo éneib calma bleanna na laocnaó, 
([s sol so cnuaíió ain uaig a péin-pain. 








52. caoncull'a, we have caoncopa, 100, snfre, where it seems to mean 


“demur”; and here we may translate “guarrelsome, obstinate '; coir means 
“journey, business”; naé cnuas an coirpe onm é - “is it not hard ease with me?” 


gerán in “ Cath Fentragha ” : cf. also conn-ómió, XXI. 5. 


58. raona-óTaó is like baille-ónió, and ean hardly be from píon : cf. sian 


XIV. | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 63 


5o 


6o 


79 


71. 


Bright branch of folage, my tormenting ruin! 
How Atropos has cut the thread of his hfe; 

A strone: man, rapid, powerful, who tamed wolxes, 
Who was not angliceised, or morose, or stubborn. 


The death of Tadhg”s son is a knot in my liver, 

And a gnawing pain in my knees prostrating, weakening, 
A constant, violent pang in my frosen breast, 

And a trembhing fever of the stomach in my liver. 


My brain is slek without vigour or power, 

My hand is tremulous as with eld, I am diseased and devoid of 
strength, 

The vigour of both my feet together has been cheeked, 

As I bewail my horseman without blemish or perverseness, 


And right well do the bards of Erin understand 

That the hero [I commemorate is of royal lineage, 

That this man is a princely hound of the descendants of Eibhear, 
Of the high lineage of the kinges of all Munster”s plain. 


An apple, virtuous, beautaful, of mighty strength, 

Who would give a draught to the pale sufferer, 

Food in hais need”—sad though the tale be— 

And who closed not, his door against a procession of hundreds. 


His pedigree is there complete 

In the Book ot Munster, written from the first man, 
Or i the Holy Psalter of Cashel without deceit, 
Which Cormac wrote, the fountain of the bardas. 


My woe! his womanly, gentle, bright consort, 
Aeceomplished, sweet, illustrious, eourteous, 

Oí the stalwart race of the Glen of the heroes, 
Heavily weeping on the grave of her gentle spouse. 





Salcan. “The Psalter of Cashel was compiled by Cormac Mac Cuillinan, 


King of Munster, and Archbishop of Cashel, who was slain A4.p.903. It is now lost. 
74. She was of the O'Donoghue family of Glenflesk, 


64 


8o 


9o 


IOO 


odáNc4 aoohaaúiM uí RachaiLLe, [xm. 


lr sun b'é Seaán a andáó 'T a Phenis, 
Fíonumn o'earsagn oo élannaib Milesius, 
THaoine calma lWlaimae np Sléibe WM, 
(lélann Danba an panaie cnéinipr. 


Oo b'é a Pimpean ní$ oon caob éear' 
Caan nán eoialil a éopcar ná a Péaoa, 
O'Pás man beaéa painmnae Saobalac, 
Séan ip ronar ao Pollup oon c-Taoagal. 


Oo puinn Seasán ciall ó ÓOia na céille, 
Caicearm 3 easáil oo ánáe aan cnaoécao, 
Clú nán eím, ir ná cuillpeaó céao aué, 
lr beó a eéaire, ní manb acc paoáal oo. 


Oo bí an cunaó, "Tr ní éuinim-pe bnéaa ain, 
óndáóman, odáilceac, pPáilceac, oéinceac, 
Ouineamml, níosóa, cnoióe-seal, cnéiséeac, 
(8 oul can a éumair cum oinig oo óéancuh. 


Oo néin a éumaip, oan Wuinip níon bnéaa ran, 
Ná nab oiúic na pníonnpa a n-Éimmn, 

Cmaé ná eapboa, rpasanc ná cléineac, 

Oo b'peánn na Seaáán a gs-cáilib paonóa. 


Suióim-pe IT 5uioió-pe Oia na n-oéirée, 

Cn c-(l(éain "ran Wac 'r an Spíonao NMaoihéa, 
lr Áno-Rís món na alóipe a n-éinpeaóc, 
Seasán oo álacaó 'na éaéain aan caoncoil'a. 


anN preanc-Laono. 


'S an béillic acá cnaocca páió Phenix salan-uaoan 

Fean sléseal bláe péinne prám paon baó óeaá-cumóeoa, 

Úis éin Cláin Éimonn, áno-oaonnaóc, peanamlaóc, 

Ccá a n-éinpeacc páo” énaorl. as Seasán c-Taonóa Ua 
THaecóamna. 








79. maoine -maon. 87. cuillpeaó, his fame did not deserve a hundred 
voices soeakin against hun in sveproach: ef. XV. 261, ““fnán óu1ll aus 
comanpan.” céao aué is simply another way of saying auí comanpan. 


XIV. | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 65 


John being indeed her love, her Phoenix, 

A wine-tree that sprane from the race of Milesius, 

&Stalwart steward of the Maine and of Shabh Mis, 
8o “The hero of Banba, the warrior of mighty strength. 


His ancestor was prince of the Southern Country, 
Cian, who did not spare his money or his jewels, 
Who left behind him, as a patrimony, Irish plenty, 
Prosperity, and happiness for all men to see. 


John gained wisdom from the God of wisdom, 

Spendine and getting for ever without pause, 

Fame not weak, and which would not deserve a hundred reproach- 
ing vo1ces, 

His spinit lives yet, one hfe alone is dead, 


The champion—nor do [I tell lies of hhim—was 
go KindIy, generous, hospitable, charitable, 
Manlgy, princely, open-hearted, gafted, 
Beyond his power attemptine generous deeds to do. 


According to his means—by Maurice a4t is no falsehood— 
There was neither duke nor prince in Erin, 

Nor chieftain, nor bishop, nor priest, nor scholar, 

Who surpassed John in noble attributes. 


1 pray, and pray ye, to the God of gods, 

The Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost, 

And the great high King of Glory, hKkewise, 
Ioo To receive John in His city without demur. 


THE EPITAPH. 


Beneath the great stone hes low a seer, a Phoenix, an unblemighed 
author, 

A bright man, the flower of the warriors, pleasant, noble, well- 
proportioned, 

Emerxy pillar of the land of Erin, high humanity and manliness, 

Lae together beneath thy throat in noble John O'Mahony. 

VOL. III. F 


66 oúnNc4a aoohaaúiM uí nachailLe. [xv. 


XV. 


ge Dás uí céeauUacáiHn. 


D'eua a mbaile na m-buamlceoimóe an 24 lá oo mí (úsupr 1724. 


Saiseao-óáoin nime cné iméinn Póola, 

'S saoo oon pláiá cné lán a onólainn, 
Cár san leisearp in aónaóo cóippe, 

("Tn peaó cúis cúise, oubac na paseólca. 


Soc na Wluimneac pínce ain peócaó, 
Leannán banba, canao na naeócac, 
4 n-aon c-púil a nún a n-oócup, 

'Sa a-cú álaca ne namaio oá móine. 


Cua a bár an bnáiomb beó-soin, 

Io Ón san áimníom o'Pápr ain ónoab, 
Caionpnbaó cléine peue aun pósumn, 
Oo bnís na rconma méiop ain neólaib. 


Fáe na cúire oubac oeónace 
Réilceann oíona cníce in cóiae, 
Seabac na peabac nn planoa món-pul, 
Oo óul a n-úin a o-cúimn na h-óiae. 





XV.—Amid the long roll of transplanted Irish, given in the M88. of the 
Marguis of Ormond, we find the following entry :'— 

“Donogh O'Callaghan, late of Clonmeen, in county Corke, and Ellen 
O'Callaghan, his wife; 12th of June, 1656 (date of deecree); 29th of August, 
1657 (date of final settlement). 2,500 acres. -Donogh O'Callaghan lived at 
Mount Allen, county Clare, and was “The O'Callaghan ” during his life; he 
died before 1690. He had a son and heir, Donogh og O”Callaghan, also of Mount 
Allen, and “The O'”Callaghan,” who died in 1698, and with whom the pedigree 
in at least one copy of the Poot of Munster begins. He had three sons, the third 
of whom was Domhnall, the subject of this elegy, who was in 1715 of Mount 
Allen,and “ TheO Callaghan.” He married Catherine, second daughterof Nicholas 
Purcell, titular baron of Loughmore. He died on the 24th of August, 1724. His 
wife diedin 1731. He was succeeded by his son and heir, Donogh O'Callaghan, 
of Kilgorey Castle, county Clare, who married Hannagh, daughter of Christopher 


Cas 


xv. | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 67 


XV. 


ON THE DEATH OF O'CALLAGHAN, 


WHO DIED AT THRESHERSTOWN ON THE 24TH OF AUGUST, 1724. 


A wounding, venomous dart through the brain of Fodla, 
A blast of the plague through her inmost breast ; 

An evil without a cure, and the kindling of sorrow 
'Throughout five provinces—dismal is the news. 


The flower of Munstermen stretched in decay ! 

'The darling of Banba, the friend of the strollers ! 
Their only hope, their love, their confidence, 

Their hound in war against an enemy however great ! 


By his death the Friars are wounded to the guick, 

io An untold destruction has grown upon the clergy ; 
Behold, it was the signal íor the ruin of the bards, 
By reason of the storm that rushed through the heavens. 


'The eause of this dismal, tearful ruin, 

Is that the protecting star o£f district and of province, 
The warrior of warriors, and the high-blooded scion, 
Has gone to the grave in the beginning of youth. 





O'Brien, of Newhall, county Clare, and at his decease left a son and heir, Edmund 
O'Callaghan, Esd., Barrister-at-Law, the father of Bridget O'Callaghan, wife of 
Thomas O”Beilly, Esg., Catherine O'Callaghan, the wife of Thomas Brown, late 
Earl of Kenmare, and Ellen O'Callaghan, wife of James Bagot, of Castle Bagot, 
Elisabeth O?Callaghan, wife of Gerald Dease, nephew of Lord Fingal, and a 
daughter who became a nun.” (See Sir Bernard Burke's “: Landed Gentry.”) 
Thomas O”Reilly was father of Rev. Edmund O'”Beilly, 8.J., a distinguished 
theologian, who died in 1878, at Milltown Park, Dublin. 

There are two copies of this poem at Maynooth, and two in the Royal Irish 
Academy, but all seem to have a common original. 





6. seócac — a stroller, one of the numerous band included in luoc cuanoa 
'eswmonn, who obtained their livelihood by freguenting the houses of the wealthy ; 
now a term of reproach. 

F 2 


68 


20 


39 


49 


oáNc4a aoohaaúiNM uí nachalilLle. [xv. 


Oisne Ceallaeáin Caipil ódió ónoóóa, 
Sáie cní Ríosacca, Rís na nó-Plaic, 
Seanc na h-Éimonn, laoe na leósan, 
4 a-Cill Cnéioe pá béiluc nó-alap. 


'Anmur, ir é cannaimaée a n-on-oac 
Faolcú paobnac éianeac beóóa, 

(86 cnéisean mill na coille "na éóimpié, 
'S as oul ain peile ain leinab PFóola, 


Sínce anuarp ain ugg an leósain 

"Ma olúro oíona ain lís an nóir Slunn, 
óan sneaogaó bgr. as ceaóc "na éomasan, 
Ná sánéóa chan "na óir am nóna. 


Cua conn Clioóna bíoósaó nó-ninc, 

Cá conn Ruónasáe a b-púicín bnónac, 
Conn Cuaishe oá Puasanaóo ao oeónac, 
1r Carán Cloinne mic Wuiíp ip Cóme. 


Oo séim conn Céioe ao salónac 

Innpíoc ir oá éaoib (bann Ióine 

Ui,re oo oáil a n-ánocdib ceónaó 

'S an Fleaps énaoprac ónaobac enóman. 


O'Puasain an Ruaocac a nó-sol, 
bDnos Donn Iníp in bnogs na Dóinne, 
bpos na Ríos ir Ríos-bnos Dóinme, 
bnos dé Chaé na pian-banpc peólca. 


Oo peneaopao píoó-mná mín-cláin €osuin, 
Dí a Sís Cnuaean ouancan salónac, 

(t m-bnhos Conaill na s-conancac s-ceólman 
Ir Sí Daióbe lileróbe a m-bnón-sol. 








21. '(nmup. O'Callaghan 's arms, “Pearl in an oak forest, a wolf passant 


proper,” are here described. bainn Hon - The Blackwater. 


i 
! 





xiv..| THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 69 


The heir of Ceallachan of Cashel, the modest and valiant, 
The beloved of three kingdoms, the prince of high princes, 
The darling of Erin, the hero among champions, 

s;o Lies in Kilecrea beneath a great, grey stone! 


His coat of arms, drawn in golden colours :— 
A wolf, fierce, violent, impetuous, 

Issuine from the wood's border in rapid race, 
And going forth to hunt in the plains of Fodla, 


Stretched above the grave of the hero, 

A proteeting cover on the tombstone of the bright, rose, 
Without clapping of hands coming near to him, 

Or the shouts of hunting-bands in his wake at eventide. 


'Tonn Cliodhna started with a mighty start, 
3o “Tonn Rudhraighe wears a veil of grief, 
Tonn Tuagh proclaims his loss in tears, 
And the Casán of the Fitsmaurices and Tonn Toime. 


Tonn Teide moaned with a loud voice, 

The Inches, and either marge of the great river, 

The Liffey wept to the point of overflowing its banks, 
And the hungry Flesk full ot boughs and nuts. 


The Roughty proclaime4 his death with much weeping, 

The mansion of Bonn Inis, and the mansion of the Boyne, 

The mansion of the kings, the royal mansion of Borumha, 
4o The mansion of Dublin, of powerful ships under sail. 


The fays of smooth Clar Eoghan secreamed aloud, 

In the fairy palace of Cruachan a confused hum of sorrow was 
heard, 

In the mansion of Conall, of the harmonious hounds, 

And the fairy palace of Badhbh, ot Meidhbh, woefully wept. 





3o. Ruónaóe: M8. Ruáin, but see Introd., Sect. IV. 4o. nian-banc : 
cf. XII. 183, nian-loc an oil. 


70 odNc4a gaoohaaúáiN uí RachailLte. [xv. 


Oo beanc Cloóna cní na pseólcab 

Sun reabac Saoóal na h-éimonn Oomnall, 
CL laoc laocuip, a b-paoban comnaic, 

d a-ceann cíne, a Rís, 'ra nó-planie, 


0 nanian aeimpíó, a s-claóearm a nsleó-óarp, 
so C o-cuas óualann, a a-cnuació nó-ólan, 

4 rínrean ceanc, oo ólannab €ogaain, 

bun a naeinealaé uile "pa o-ceona, 


d4 n-Opaan ceann, ceann a plóisce, 

d nís, a m-biaócac píiam 'pa n-ón-cloc, 
4 a-ceann oíona, ip oíon a mbólais, 

4 Tiagprp cnéan, “ra néileseann eóluip, 


Raóoanc a púl, a lúe, 'r a lócnann, 

(l m-bnacac cosacnó oá b-poncaoc Tan ló óeal, 

Ueiseap a n-oóan a a-closao T a n-ón-Pleaa, 
6o C a-cnann cumna, a lús "ra nó-mnpc. 


Oubainc Cluoóna—píon a pseólca— 
éibm Tionn ón s5lún-sean Oomnall 
Céaonta óaoóal, níon raob an s-eólur, 
Sínprean Cloinne miíc Dile mic Dneógscin. 


Oo óeancor, an Tí, na níos-bnos ceólman, 
Síooatóe bneaca, ir bnacaéa pnóill álain, 
Cuils oá naonmaó, oóain ag ól moó, 

(T laoóna as imnc ain Paecill ao slónac. 


Cuilce oá n-oeansaó ain maioimn 'T am neóna, 
79 Cónuádaó cleiceac as bainnpPíonnaib óga, 

Fíon am bmpeaó oá 3ibe, agur mónsarp, 

Feóil ain beanaib, ir beaompae an bónoaib. 





46. óaoóal: M8. saol. 65-1o4. In these lines the life at 
Clonmeen while the O”Callaghans held sway over 50,000 acres of land, is described 


xv. | 


5o 


6o 


79 


THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. “1 


Cliodhna said, as she told the tale, 

That Domhnall was the hawk of the Gaels of Erin, 
Their hero in valour, their sword in battle, 

Their head of a cantred, their ruler, their high chieftain, 


Their winter s sun, their shield, their battle staff, 

Their shoulder ase, their steel the purest, 

Their true premier in descent, among the children of Eoghan, 
The foundation of all their genealogies, and their limit, 


Their valiant Osgar, the leader of their hosts, 

'Their prince, their almoner ever, their stone of gold, 
Their protectine chief, the defence of their kine, 
Their mighty Mars, their guidine star, 


The hght of their eyes, their vigour, their torch, 

Their standard in battle, protecting them in the open day; 
The healine of their diseased, their spear of gold, 

Their tree of fragrance, their vigour, their great strength. 


Cliodhna said—true is her aceount— 

Eibhear Fionn, from whom Domhnall sprang, 

Was first king of the Gaelg—the intelligence was not idle— 

The premier in descent of the descendants of the son of Bile, and 
of Breogan. 


I beheld, said she, in his musical, princely mansion, 
Speckled silks, and garments of pure satin, 

Swords being whetted, invalids guafífing mead, 

And warriors playing at chess noisily. 


Coverlets being prepared, morn and even, 
Youne maidens engaged in arranging down, 
Wines, newly-opened, being drunk, and jollity, 
Viands on spits, and uisguebagh on tables; 








with charming, simplicitv. 71. bnireab : ef. 87, infra. 


72 oáNc4a aoohaaúáiN uí nachailLe. [xv. 


Ononada as caipoíol san maine oon nóp-bnoa, 
Oponada ag suim 'pa s-omplonna bneóisce, 
Ononada ain meipae aan ceilg oon éomanTain, 
Oponada bopba aa labainc ao slónac. 


Dolcanup, cumna olúe ag cómmpie, 
Ó anáil baoé na cléine cóinne, 
ógosa luaéa buana ap rpnónab 
8o Na raoise carpnamae macaine an éomhnaic. 


Duine an énosob oá preinm ao ceólman, 
Scanéóa oá léiseao ag luóc léiáamn in? eólunp, 
Tan a m-bíoó cnácsc san cáimm ain ónocib, 

Ir an agc rloinneaó oán seineaó “'pan eonunp. 


Oóinre san oúnaó an óúncaib ómnac, —. 

Céin oá lapraó ain sac balla "sur rpeómna, 
Caira oá m-bpireaó oon b-puininn sac nóimmenc, 
'S san cnáógaó ain laoc apceac 'pan ól pan. 


€4c oa m-bnonnaó aca ain ollamnaib Póola; 
go €eacna sanba ain leacain ag cónnnié, 

Cnoisecegóa a n-íonaul, iomanca beónac, 

4 a-connab aiéleasca aineio nó-ólaimn, 


Daó mac “ran éluaim-pin pPuaim na naleóprcac 
Cnom-ááin peala a pleapcaib na a-ceó-cnoc 
Síonais oá n-oúpsdó cuca 1] cnón-buic 
Tlíolca ar monacub, ceanc” mpae, ir pmólaa. 


Lomn na peilae as seimnim ne pPón-luóc, 
lT ceanca peaóa ao pPáinneac alónac, 
Conainc an Ípíá 'T a raoice cóinreac, 
100 O'éip a neaéa a n-aádió pleapcaib na s-céo-énoc. 





88. laec — luid in general, often— “milk,” sometimes used of tears: “:' Gus 
mo óeanóda aa Tmleaó lacca cu65.” 4” Soealadoir. 


xiv... THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 753 


Companies coming to the famous mansion without sorrow, 
Companies falling down with feverish pulse, 

Companies inebriate without offence to their neighbours, 
Companies of pride conversing uproarious|y. 


A fragrant odour issuing in strength 
From the tender breath of the trumpeting band, 
Swift, continuous currents from the nostrils 

8o Of the defensive nobles of the field of battle. 


Airs being: played harmoniously on harps, 

The wise and learned reading histones, 

In which an account was faultlessly given of the clergy, 
And of each great family that arose in Europe. 


The doors not closed on enclosures bright as amber, 

Waxlights blasing from every wall and chamber, 

Every moment fresh casks being opened for the multatude, 

While there was no ebb in the liguid that came into that 
drinking feast. 


Steeds being bestowed on the o/jéenfs of Fodla, 
go Strong steeds in teams prancing on the hillside, 
Foot soldiers contending, abundance ot óeoire 

In goblets of wrought silver, of great purnity. 


Often in that plain was heard the clamour of sportsmen, 

The loud uproar of the chase on the sides of the misty 
mountains, 

Foxes and red bucks were being wakened for them, 

Hares from the mead, water-hens, and thrushes. 


Oh! the rapture of the chase, as it presses onward with great 
Íorce, 
With pheasants wide-scattered and wildly screaming ; 
The prince's hounds and his men fatigued 
Ioo From their pursuit up the slopes of the misty mountains. 


“4 


IIO 


120 


oáNca gaophaaúiN uí nRachailLe. [xv. 


Cneiáiro aan céannaim, méala món liom, 

(ín clugmn pá á&éáin na a-cás agn ceóna, 
Slón na naoll so ceann “ran ón-bnoa, 

Tan a m-bíoó immnc :IT shosan pean pPóinne. 


(toubainc Choóna ó Pínn-énasg ómnaa 

Nán eube a ógaoil oo maoióeam ne món-pPlaic, 

Le nís, oá peabarp, a m-bneacai, ná a b-Plónoparp, 
4 b-Pnainc, a Saspaib, na a a-caóain na Róma. 


Oo bpís sun b” Phenix é ir món-pPlaié, 
Cloc oo'n ómnopoal baó álainne 'pan eonunp. 
Canbuncdail san oube, ná cnóine, 
Ríoá-laoc, nís-Feabac, níS-ceann cóiae. 


Rís-bnéam uapal, ua na naleó-pPean, 

Cní an rséis cnióneaóc na Danba cnóba, 
Fioó san culaonn ná omplioc “na comaan, 
Oneaáneac oealb ná cap-mhaioe oóisce. 


Cus an Ua Páil shaó-óáin bnónac. 
lan n-oul a a-cné oá éaoan nó-óeal 
Oá béal cana, oá éeanaadi, oa álónóab, 
Oá mae neaman, oá leacain man pónban, 


Oá chlab píonna-seal, epuinneamul, póinmhnc, 
Oá bnaénab binne, oá Ploimnneob, oá óiae, 
Oá uóoc éaoin, oá éoim, oá beó-ónegar, 

Oá meónab cailce, oá beanrain, oa mónóacr. 


([n can oo nusdaó an ceann cine po Oomnall, 
Oo na Mars oon leanb sleó-eun, 

Daó Puaimneac plaiseap, iT calain, ir neólcaib, 
Gen, ir néilceann, ppéinl; iT món-muin. 





IIo. Speaking of the MacCarthys, of whom the O”Callaghans are a branch, 
Sir Bernard Burke says: ““ Few families in the United Kingdom have so remote or 
go renowned a pedigree.”” 


scoil] 


IIO 


I20 


THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 


Oh pain without relief! a great evil do [ deem it 


715 


That the vale is given over without reserve to the screams of the 


jackdaws, 
Loud is the voice of foreigners in the golden mansion, 


Where there was wont to be the play and the chatter of chess- 


players. 


Cliodhna, from the fair rock of amber hue, said 


That it was not becoming to boast of his relationship to a great 


chieftain, 
To a king, however good, in Britain, or in Flanders, 
Or in France, or in England, or the city of Rome. 


Because he was a Phceenix and a great prince, 

A stone of the purest crystal in Europe, 

A carbuncle without stain or discolourment, 

A Kkingly hero, a kingly warrior, a kingly head of a province. 


The noble scion of a kingly race, the descendant of warriors, 
Through whom was poured out the wheat of valiant Banba, 
A wood uneneumbered by holly, or briar, 
Or sterile thorn, or burnt-up cross-stick, 


Lia Fail uttered a doleful cry of strife 

When his forehead”—the brightest—was laid in clay, 
And his fine mouth, and his tongue, and his voice, 
And his stout arm, and his cheek like purple, 


And his fair, bright breast, vigorous and strong, 
His musical speech, his name, his youth, 

His noble chest, his waist, his liwe complesxion, 
His chalk-white fingers, his person, his daemty. 


When Domhnall, our tribal chief, was born, 


Mars endowed the child with the power of engagiang in battle ; 


Heaven, and earth, and clouds were peaceful, 
The air, the stars, the sky, and the ocean. 


76 oúnNca aoohaaúiN uí nachailLe. xv. 


Cua an Snian oo ciall san ceónpna, 

I30 Uaipleacc: aane, rTaaipeaó; iT cnópac ; 
óSampae san bém, oon péanla nó-ólan ; 
Trleabail, iT mleacc, cuimhne, IT beóóaorc. 


Cugs Mereunius nún ao cóin oo, 

Seoioe plaicear' so eanna aan cóimhiiíoimh, 
Meanc, im oimneac, iT alaine, ir? mónóacc, ; 
ómpase man céile in laocur' leósaim. 


Oo éus Dan man aipese Domnall, 
Scab an cnéaoa 1? céin san oneóisceacc, 
ólaine man onúócc ip clú san peócao, 

I40 Tieabain alan snínn, i agoip “na meónaib. 


Cug Nereus oo óoll na plóirsce 

Rian le mpneaéc ain moll na bócna, 
Neptunus éuga lona oo peólsa, 

]r Oceanus ánéac pón muin. 


bDbaimnoia an c-rTaióbnip noinnc oo óeónara 
Ceres naóman cus naé an an ooman oo, 
Th ar peun 3p céin aan oneóiáceacc, 
Chun sac calam "na pacalaó Oomnall. 


'S an oliáe éinc níon líoméa Dólcan, 

I50 Ná an níá-Tro oo pníom-Pliocc Scóca, 
Saon-oliae néió alan réim ne comanpaimn, 
Oo Sníoó caoipeac Inpe hTóine. 


Eson rocma san poéall “ná álóneaib, 
Saon-mac Oonnchaóa ip Oonnchaóoa, Oommnall, 
lr Caeaoin llooanéóa popoa na naeócac 
Tiá-Diaócac cínn ianóain eonpa. 





133. nún : cf. XX VI. 123, where Mereury gives nún a oléib. 

I38. céin : we know from XXVI. that wax was given to heal the flock. 

I4I. Do GOl1: se A. M: oo sall. Goll is elsewhere used of a hero like 
Orasan, &e. I42. 1míoll: MS. mol, perhaps the right word here. 

I49. This line occurs in XXII., and in an elegy on O'Keeffe by Domhnall 


xv. ] THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. I/rí 


The Sun gave him wisdom without limit, 

go Nobility of mind, spending, an4 getting, 
Faultless heroism to the purest of pearls, 
Understanding, and intellect, and memory, and vivaeity. 


Mercury gave him a becoming secret, 

Princely jewels, abundantly, without number, 
Strength, and generosity, and purity, and digmity, 
YValour as his mate, and the heroism of a lion. 


Pan gave to Domhnall as a gaft 

The shepherd's staff, and uncorrupted wax, 

Brightness like the dew-drops, fame never to decline, 
I40 A clear, sprightly intelligence, and skill in his fingers. 


Nereus gave to the Goll of the hosts 

To command with courage, on the borders of the ocean ; 
Neptune gave him a ship under sail, 

And Oceanus a small vessel to guard the sea. 


The goddess of riches granted him a portion, 

Ceres, the fruitful, fructified the earth for him, 
Bestowinge honey and herbage and uncorrupted wax 
On every soil on which Domhnall would set foot. 


Not Boltan was more skilled in genuine law 

iso Than this prince of the primal race of Scota ; 
Noble, eguable laws, pure, mild to his neighbours, 
Were framed by the chieftain of Inismore. 


A sedate Eson, without corruptiaon in his speech, 
The noble son of Donogh, and of Donogh, was Domhnall, 
And of Cahir Modartha, the stay of the strollers, 

'The princely almoner, of the head of Western Europe, 








Garbh O'Sullivan. Is2. What O'Callaghan's connexion with Inismore 
was has not been ascertained. 

Is3. Here begins the pedigree of O”Callaghan, in which he is traced up to 
Adam. Many of the adjectives applied to his ancestors have little historic 
meaning. Some copies of the Poo£ of water begin the pedigree thus: Oonnóaó 


78 oúNc4a aoohaaáinM uí nRachaillte. [xv. 


Trí:ic Ceallacáin Peanamail meanmnai beóóba, 

Tic Conceubain paoi bí píoocman cnóóa, 

Tic Oonnchaóa mic Caoóa peióm-mpc eólaa, 
16o Tic Concubain Laráma caóm nán Pólana, 


Tic Oonnchaóa uapail cuan na nó-bocc, 

mic maoilheaólainn Finn baó éaoipeac cóise, 
Tic IIicCnaié puagin megp a n' óiae, 

Tic Cineioe o'anauin €osanaóc, 


Tic Locluinn puaim nán áiall 3 naleoiócib, 
Tic TÚicCnaié nán leam a a-comnac, 

Tic miacóamna Fínn paoi ip leósan, 

Tic THunchaóa mac (íoóa na a-con a-comhnac, 


Tic Cineioe nuaió oo nuaseaó pPóinne, 

170 mic Ceallacáin Pinn paoi, mc Oommnaill, 
Tí:c THRunchaóa neancmain ceap na món-pPlaéó, 
Nic Oonnchaóa puain coméónom cné cnóóacc. 


NMuan mo énoióe-pe, an Cloóna éeomaccac, 
(In maióm calman paosuinpeac bnónac, 
Cuaómumain uile ao Doinmnn na món-óloc, 
'S an Onuimnín aa caoi na n-oeóna. 


PDuailír éaoman cnéic-las, cóinreac, 
'S an Dáin-cín "nan anáé píon-cóipneac, 
(In Cúil Ruaó pá ánuaim um nóna, 
18o 'S a n-Ónonuim pnpeapocil ní lapcan na cóippí. 





ós puan bárr a a-cuncae an Cláin mac Oonnóaóa mc Caéain THooanéóa 
mic Ceallacáin, &e. “This Donagh Og must be the father of Domhnall. 
O'Bahilly”s pedigree begins thus: The sedate Eson, that is Domhnall, was son of 
Donogh, and of Donogh, and of Cahir Modartha, &c.; and this accords with the 
Book of Munster. -Eson is probably — Aeson, a name for a hero like Goll above. 

I55. Cahir Modartha lived in the reign of James I. 

I57—8. Conchubhar died at his Castle at Clonmeen on the 31st of Mars, 16129, 
and left a son and heir, Callaghan O'Callaghan, then aged 25 years and upwards, 


N———haammaiiI ha mnmamaniihááná 


xv. | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 79 


Son of Ceallachan, the manlxy, the high-spinted, the vivacious, 

Son of Conchubhar, a noble who was bold and brave, 

Son of Donogh, son of Tadhe, the staying strength of the learned, 
t6o Son of Conchubhar Laighnach, who did not suffer from sickness, 


Son of Donogh, the noble, the haven of the poverty-stricken, 
Son of Maolseachlainn, the Fair, the chieftain of a province, 
Son of Macraith, who was esteemed in his youth, 

Son of Cinede, who spoiled an Eoghanacht, 


Son of Lochlann, who never was a hostage in contests, 
Bon of Macraith, who was skilled in fightine, 

Son of Mathghamhain, the Fair, a sage and a hero, 

Son of Murchadh, son of Aodh, of the wrestling contests, 


Son of Cineide the Red, who expelled the foreigners, 

i7o Son of Ceallachan the Fair, the sage, son of Domhnall, 
Son of Murchadh the Strong, the root-stock o£f great chieftains, 
Son of Donogh, who obtained justice by valour. 


Oh sorrow of my soul, said the powerful Cliodhna, 
This eruption in the earth, so sad and doleful ! 
Thomond entire, to Burren oí the great stones, 
And Drumaneen pounne out tears. 


Weak is Palice, envious and sorrowful, 
And Banteer, where high festival was wont to reigmn, 
Culroe is in sadness at, eventide, 

i8o And at Ardruim of festavity the torches blase not. 





and married: see Archdall's Loye, vol. 7, p. 244. 

I6o. The word pólama is merely a conjecture, as MSS. are defective. 

172. This Donogh was son of Ceallachan of Cashel, and here the poet takes a 
rest; aíter a few stans;as the pedigree is resumed, 

I75—6. Thomond, for the O”7Callaghans then lived in Clare, and Drumaneen, 
near Mallow, as they lived there formerly. 

I8o. ““ A mile north-east of Inniscarra, on a rising ground, is Ardrum, near 
which is the village of Cloghroe.”? Smith's C€or£, p. 155. 


80 


Igo 


200 


oáNc4a aoohaaúiN uí nachalilLe. [s. 


C(eommaeap Jupiter unrac mónóa 

Cun Choóna ooinb bí pocma le oeónaib, 
F:ior seinealaá an nís o'npincx oóib pin, 
Ó bí an leaban “na salacaib ip eólup. 


(ean Ceallacáin, canaro oá éomaail, 
Duaocain bínn, an Clhoóna nó-áeal, 
Thac Lacna láíioi, lán-mean, beóóa, 
Tic Cúncáoile, nís chpoe cúia cóiae, 


Tic Sneaóóupa, me Oonnaaile, nó-mnc, 
Thic Cíonaupa nís raoécpnac peóoac, 

Tic Colsaain éaim cug cmmóéaoll Róma, 

mic Fáilbe Flann ó Ceaman éus món-éneac, 


Tic Cíoóa ómb Rís THRuman, cnóóa, 

Tic Cníoméain c-péimh, mc Féilim eeólmain, 
Tic Conaupa Rís raoenac, reómnac, 

Tic Maopnaoic nán ólaoióce a a-comhac, 


mic Cunc Cain! na n-eacpa Fpeólca, 

Thíc Uuiaóeac, mic Oilll oo bnonnaó peóioe, 
mic Tiaóa Tilaoil nan éím, mic €osaimn, 

mic Oiloll uarail Puaonas Ólúm, 


Nic TRosa Muaóac pucin lease Póola, 
Tic Thoaa Meío nán émaua sleócu 

Tríc eanna Óeins, mic Oeina na peólca, 
Tic eanna THuneéaoin muinín óaban, 


Tú:ic TRosa neancman oo éneacaób cúia cóiase, 
Tic TRoaóa Peinbu proon le oeónaib, 

Tic eachaió áine, áluinn, pnóió-aáeal, 

Tic Ouac Oallca óall a eompPosup. 





IS:I. This stansa is a kind of invocation of the Muses for what follows. “The 
poet intentionally omits to say that Donogh, at whose name he halted above, was 
son of Ceallachan, of Cashel, but after this briefinterruption starts from Ceallachan 
as if he had said it. ISs. In that interesting tract ““ Conuiseaor 


xv.] THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 81 


The sustainine, majestac Jupiter besought 

Of Cliodhna the doleful, who was sobered with her tears, 
To trace for them the genealoegy of this prince, 

Since she held the book in her hands and the knowledge. 


The father of Ceallachan, dear to nis Kinsfolk, 

Was Buadhchain, the melodious, said the bright-visaged Cliodhna, 
Son of Lachna the strong, the nimble, the sprightly, 

Son of Artghoile, the accomphshed King of five provinces, 


Son of Sneadhghus, son of Donnghaile the valiant, 

Igo Son of Aongus, the victorious, the wealthy monarch, 
Son of Colgan Cam, who went the round of Rome, 
Son of Failbhe Flann, from Tara who took great spoils, 


Son of Aodh Dubh, the valiant, Kine of Munster, 

Son of Crimhthain the genial, son of Felim the musical, 
Son of Aongus the laborious king, of great halls, 

Son of Nadfraoc, who was unconguered in fight, 


Son of Corc of Cashel, of the nimble steed-studs, 
- Bon of Lughaidh, son o£f Oiloll, who dispensed jewels, 
Son of Fiacha Maol, the fearless, gon of Eoghan, 
soo Son of Oilioll Oluim, the noble, the vigorous, 


- Bon of Mogh Nuadhat, who obtained the half of Fodla, 
Son of Mogh Neid, who refused not warfare, 
Son of Eana Dearg, son ot Dearg of the sails, 
Son of Eana Munchaoin, the beloved of maidens, 


Son of Mogh the Strong, who was wont to spoil five provincea, 
Son of Mogh Feirbhis, hospitable to strangers, 

Son of Eachadh the honourable, the beautatul, the bright-visaged, 
Son of Duach Dallta, who blinded his kinsman, 





Ceallacaimn Cairn,” is given Ceallachan”s pedigree, which differs somewhat from 
our authors, but is too long to give here. 2o7. áine: MS. pin aine. 
208. Ouac, blinded Deaghaidh, his brother, henee his name, Dallta: 
see Haliday's eating, p. 364. 
VvOL. III. G 


82 


210 


220 


230 


odáNca gaoohaaúáin uí nachalilLe. [x. 


Tic Cainbne Luipa, an oimna nó-ólain, 

Tic Luagió Uuaióáne lualac salónac, 

Tí:íc Ionnaomain mc Niaó puain paiaó Póola, 
Tic Cíóamain Polcéaoin nopa-álain, nó-ólain, 


mic Tmosa Cuinn, mc Fin Cumb nóminc, 
Tic Cobeóaia caoi, an míleaó mómain, 
Tiíc Reacca muinma, mic Luóáaió Lóise, 
Tic Oiloll áino baó Pám a n-óiponeac, 


Tic Uuóaió óeina nán meinseac 6lóónunio, 
Tic Oilall Uaanceap ua na món-plaié, 
Tic Um áóeac lanóoinn élab-ónuim cnóóa, 
Tic eanna OÓlaoimn baó píooman pónrac, 


mic Ouac Pmn, nán olaoióce a naleóiórib, 
Tic Séaona lonnanuó éuinbia éeolmain, 
Tic Dneipmia na NWluimneac mónóa, 

Tic Cúnc lmha lonnapóa lóiomáa, 


Tic Féilim neacomain, mc Roiceaccaig beóóba, 
Tic Rodin níoslan nuísegaó cóiae, 

Tiíc Paalbe cnuas baó pPuncaoc oá comanpain, 
Tic Cair paalmain pniancaia cóipma; 


mic Failoeapacro oil puain píop in eólup, 

Tic TRúineamuin mic Caiíl, neanc agéó oeonaró, 
Nic Inipea mc Tn, paoi baó éneónac, 

Tic Roiceaccaia mic Roipn oo éuin aleóióce, 


Tic ólair, mc Mugdnó, na nuaa nó-Paoa, 
óoincean oon cé pin Rex Scotorum, 

Tic eochairó Paobnais, séan a naleóióib, 
Túíc Conmaoil baó ófneaec béoó-éuinp, 


21I. piaó Fóola. ““ By the magic powers of his mother, Fliodhuis, the wild 
hinds came and gently yielded their milk for him like cows.” MHaliday's .Yearing, 


p- 363. 


212. nora-ólain : M$. nopsun. 


226. nuíseaú - nuaiseaó : MS., niaegaó, perhaps- ní ago, &c. 


xiys| THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. sa 


Son of Cairbre Luisg, of purest generosity, 
21Io Son of Lughaidh Luaine, the expressive, the noisy, 
Son of Ionnadmhar, son of Nuadh, who obtained the deer of 
Fodla, 
Son of Adhamar of the fair locks, of bright eyes, very pure, 


Son of Mogh Corb, son of Fear Corb of great strength, 

Son of Cobhthach Caomh, the noble warrior, 

ion of Reachta the affeetionate, son of Luighe Loige, 

Son of Oilioll the great, whose face like a fawn”s was gentle, 


Son of Lughaidh Dearg, whose features were not rusty, 

Son of Oilioll Uairceas, descendant of great, chieftains, 

Son of Lughaidh Iardhonn of the strong, valiant breast. 
22o Son of Eanna Claon, who was fierce and forceful, 


Son of Duach Fionn, unconguered in contests, 

Son of Seadna Ionnaruidh the clutching, the musical, 
Son of Breisrigh, of the stately Munstermen, 

Son of Art Imleach, the angry, the stormy, 


Son of Feilim, famed for government, son of Roitheachtach, the 
vigoTrous, 

Son of Roan the royal, the pure, who would despoil a province, 

Son of Failbhe the well-shaped, who was a protection to his 
neighbour, 

Son of Cas the hospitable, of the bridles and festive gatherings, 


Son of Faildeasgad, the beloved, who obtained wisdom and 
learning, 
23o Son of Muineamhun, son of Cas, the strength of every stranger, 
Son of Imirea, son of Fionn, a prosperous noble, 
Son of Roitheachtach, son of Ros, who engaged in conflicts, 


Son of Glas, son of Nuadh, of the long hostile exeursions, 

Heiit is who is called Rex Scotorum, 

Son of Eochaidh Faobhrach, who was sharp in conflict, 

Son of Conmhaol, who was stately and vigorougs of frame, 
G 2 


84 oáNc4 gaoohaaáin uí nachailLe. [xv. 


mic é:ibm mic míleas éeomacccara, 
Óno-ní rám na Spáimne an leósan, 
Tic Dile óumna úin mic Dneósain, 
240 Tic Dnpnaéóa éíonnpsaaim cún nán cóinneaó, 


Tic Oeaspaéa nán measa “p a éomhaleic, 
Tic Cúneaoa égaoin oo. éimóéill eonuip, 
Tic Clloro uabnaia uapail nó-mnc, 

Tic Nuaóac mc Nenuoll, baó nó-mean, 


Tic ((ónamain mic Caic oo éleacc cómám|!, 
Tic Deosamain nimmia píá ir nó-plaie, 
mic éibin Scunic can muin cug cneóin-Pan, 
Daó nís ran Seythia an lue-paal beóóa, 


mic éibin Sinn pPann luóc snínn nó-mpc, 
250 TI:c C(ónamain áómain áis sic eóluarp, 

mic éibi Seunic can muin éáió ómnasa, 

Tic Uám-Pínn bao cnoióe-óeal cónac, 


Tic Snú mic eapnú na plóisce, 

mic S3aoiúil Álaip baó cunaó cóimpnaic, 
mic Nmnl mc Dinapa pónpras, 

Tic Deasc ná cleaccaó móioe, 


Tic THasogs caoin mic lapec beóóa 
Tic Naoi 'ran ainc oíon puain ipÍ comoaé 
Tic Laimeic oo main peal pe an oóman 

26o Tic THecupalem oo b'Ppaoa bí a m-beócnae, 





240. The tower of Bragantia, near Corunna, in Spain, visited by Red Hugh 
O'Donnell in 1602: see ““beaoóa (toóa Rugaió,” p. 322. 
245-252. “These stansas are given asin M (vol.4). A gives them thus: 


“ mic 'eibin aluinPinn luoc animnn nó-mnc, 
Tic ((ónamain aóban aa óic eólui, 
Tic 'Cibir álúinrinn clbuióe omnaía, 
Tic Laimpinn baóo cnoióe-óeal cónac, 


240 


250 


26o 


THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 85 


Son of Eibhear, son of Mileadh the powerful, 
Which hero was a sedate high King of Spain, 
Son of Bile, the sweet, noble son of Breogan, 
Son of Bratha, who began the tower which was not destroyed, 


Son of Deaghfatha, who failed not in contest, 
Son of Airead Caoin, who travelled over Europe, 
Son of Alloid the proud, the noble, the strong, 
Son of Nuadhat, son of Neanuall the rapid, 


Son of Adhnamhan, son of Tait, who practised condolence, 
Son of Beoghamhain, the fierce king and high chieftain, 

Son of Eibhear Scot, who brought brave men across the seas, 
'This vigorous, hospitable, vivaeious hero was king in Scxythia, 


Son of Eibhear Glunfionn, the cheerful and strong, 

Son of Adhnamhain, the fortunate, the generous, the subtle, the 
wise, 

Son of Eibhear Scot, from across the sea, the modest, the amber- 
visaged, 

Son of Lamhfionn, the cheerful-hearted, the handsome, 


Son of Sru, son of Easru of the hosts, 

Son of Gaodhal Glas, who was a champion in battle, 
Son of Niul, son of Fenius, the powerful, 

Son of Beath, who was not wont, to swear, 


Son of Magog the gentle, son of the sprightly Japeth, 

Son of Noah, who found protection and shelter in the ask, 
8on of Lamech, whose life was long on earth, 

Son of Metusalem, who was long in mortal shape, 





“ ic. ((ónamaimn mic Coic oo óleacc com-áóil, 
Tic biosamain mmma nís IT no-Plaic, 
mic 'eibin Scuic can muin óus cneóin-ÉéIn, 
bab nís 'ran Scythia an lúó-Tfaal beóóa.” 


For detailed information about several of the names mentioned in this pedigree, 
the reader is referred to Keating's and O'Halloran's Hisfories of Tveland, and 
to the Annals of the Four Masters. 


86 


270 


oúNc4a aoohasáin uí nRachailLe. [sv. 


Tic eonac caoin nan óuill gu comaljipan, 
mic lapec mic Tlalalel beóóa, 

mic éenoip mc Sec nán beaga cóca, 

mc Óóaim óníona pmaoin ain mónp-olc. 


Ní'V slún le náó ó Óóam so Oomnall, 
Oec áno-nísce bí ainn an oóman, 
Rísee cníce ir nísace córseac 
Fial-caoiria cnóeannaoí 'r leósain, 


an peanc-Lao1ó. 


Teíle, ir mpneac, ir poineann, im clú san éean, 
Cnéise priorsaióáse, sonm-ólan, ún, ip meap, 

Déima uile na NWluman a o-cún 'Ta neans 

5o cnéis-las asao pao' óumapaib, ip oubac, a leac ! 





xv. | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 87 


Son of Enoch, the gentle, who deserved not the reproach of his 
neighbours, 

Son of Japeth, son of Malalel, the sprightly, 

Son of Enos, son of Seth, whose garments were not short, 

Son of Adam the wise, who conceived great evil. 


There is no link to record from Adam to Domhnall, 
But high kines, who ruled the world, 
Kines of countries, Kings of provinces, 
Generous chieftains, lIords, and heroes. 


THE EPITAPH. 


Hospitality, and courage, and brightness, and fame without 
S0ITOW, 
ao. The choicest gualities—the purest, the noblest—and4 esteem, 
The Phcenix of all Munster, their fortress, and their strength, 
Thou holdest prostrate within thy hollow—it is sad——O stone. 


88 oáNc4a aoohaaúinN uí nRachalilLte. [xw. 


1, 


4IR Oás GH PIR CédaoNa. 


Saeul suine oo séan-soin mo CGpnoióe-pe, 
'S oo léin-óuin na mílee éum páin, 
Céin beac in péanla na Tuimneac 
óun raiseaodaó le hancleacoc an báip, 
4 céoan, a Céapan, a rínrean, 
4 n-aon c-placc, 'r a n-aon euilg 5Snánró, 
04 méin uile o'aon coil, 'r a ní éinne 
'S a a-caom-eéoinneal oióce 3p lá. 


Saob-óeamuin aein asup onaoiée, 
IO Ní pPéioim a mín-copa oá náis 
Cá Thetis pá éaon-connaiD pínce, 
'S a céile, oá comóoeaoc ní nán ; 
Phleson san éipceaosc, ir Taiton, 
Cnéan-lilapr ir cnaoireac “na lámh 
Phaeton as léimnia can líne 
(ur cnéacrc-óeala nimneac “na pPáil. 


To oéana man péala ain an níá-lc, 

lr éaocnom le maoióeam oom ao bnáe, 
Tuna o-cnéispann-rpe rpraon-Puil mo clí 

20 (Un cné-coumilc an caoipaa can bánn; 

Caon óumain Éineann an paoi-pin 

4 pnéim-óain oob'aoinoe pó bláe, 
Éag-óul éua mé-p: ao claoióce, 

95 na céaosa man pínn uile ain lán. 





XVI.—This elegy is on Domhnall O'Callaghan, lamented in XV. Its plan 
reminds one a little of the “: Gallus”” of Virgil, and the ““Lyeidas” of Milton. An 
elegy by O'Lionnan, on John O'Tuomy, appears to be a close imitation o£f this 
piece. “The metre is the same, and even the same deities are introduced. 


3. céin beac - tbees” wax,” something rich and precious. 
4. Tmóeaoaó, M8., fPaooaó : cf. XV. 1. 79. mcleacs — “cunning 
contrivance, cleverness, strategy ”: ef. Peuó an inoleaóc acá 'na cnoibe — 





WS 


xvi. | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 89 


Se: 
ON THE DEATH OF THE SAME. 


A bitter news that has sorely wounded my heart 
And sent thousands into banishment for ever: 
'The bees” wax and pearl of the men of Munster 
Has been shot down by the cunning contrivance of death ; 
Their Cedar, their Caesar, the head of their race, 
Their own ornament, their own constant sword, 
The beauty of mien to all, as all acknowledged, their true prince, 
Their beautiful light by day and night. 


The furious demons of the air and the magacians 
Io Cannot be restrained in their fury ; 
'Thetas hes stretched beneath fiery waves, 
And it is not unseemlxy íor her spouse to accompany her; 
Phlegon ig without hearing, and Tuiton, 
Mighty Mais holds a spear in his hand, 
Phaeton leaps beyond his track, 
While a wounding, venomous thorn pierces his heel. 


My tears as a seal on the prince-eovenmine, stone, 
Trivial is the tribute ever to boast of, 
I I do not pour out the generous blood of my heart 
20 On the clay-coverlet of the matchless chieftain ; 
The flash of Erin's power was this noble, 
Her tallest root-oak in blossom ; 
His death has been my undoine, 
And has laid prostrate hundreds like me. 





“see the ceunning that is in his heart.” 6. aon c-Tlaoc, plaóc — 
“finish, omament, what makes comfortable”; oban Plaécman — “finished 
work, &ec. .79. aom óuils - aon colsa; M muinóénla; daoin, the pronun- 
eiation of aon in Connaught. I3. Phlegon, one of the horses of the sun. 

Is. Phaeton, the sun's Charioteer ; some M 88. give Etan, others Aeton, which 
perhaps suits better with Phlegon. I6. Some M885. give cnaob-óeala; 
and some read onaoin!ié, for nimneac. I9. M o-cneniaro-pa. 


21. caon óumai?, c/. ceaer comhraic — “brand of battle”: -JLásnore Lives, p. 22. 


90 oánNca doohasáin uí nachailLe. [xwr. 


Oo naobaoan ppéanéóa “sur cíonóa, 
Oo énéan-c-plois an c-ípreal an c-áno. 
'Ma éaom-eoolaó péim oo bí Typhon 
óun léim o'eapbaió caoioe ain an cnhóiá ; 
péirce na m-beul naonm cíon-óub 
3o óun léiseaoan oíob uile an c-Tnáimh, 
So n-éiroeab na oéise cé an níos-Plaié 
Oo Paon-ólannaib Wlíleaó puain báp. 


Oo beanc Clíoóna ón sa-cannais m-bán snuasa!s 
Sun b'é reabac áno Cluana áil mín, 

Ceap níosóa Caimi, áno-euaile 
Ó Ceallacáin uapal “pa Píol, 

bnac oíona ain eallaib lá an éenuacain 
Oo copnamh le cnuap mnc np cloióimh, 

Coir Uaoi ceap manb cá ain pPuanaó, 

49 Tho ceala báir cnudó ámnc; an pí. 


Do paneao Clóibill óalce pá Oomnall 
Oo éneapraun a oeóna ain an o-coínn ; 
Oo &lac bíoósaó ir peans báir lóba 
(sur amail ao oeonac as c801; 
(In Seal-mpe a s-caéain bneás ólónman 
Cuas peanann pcáic món oo “sur cíol'; 
(I meapa naoimh acá anam pá món-éíon 
lr reanna man lón oo "ná paoiseal. 


anN reanc-Uugao!. 


0 manmain-leac lar, pá an leasaó cana Cláin S5aoóoal, 
so Odá b-peapnaó neac cén plais; po cauraeaó páo” éaob, 

(bain ao pnear ná pan as ascilc pán pséal, 

Ua Ceallaeáin ceanc ir mac Uí Ceallacáin é. 


aneient patrimony, now Duhallow. 38. A cnumó-mnc a ólaim. 
39. He was buried at Kilcrea, which is near the Lee. 4t. Goibill, M 8ghbil. 
43: loba, M Joseph, another MS. Iova. 45-46. These lines 


are obscure. A óúió CÓin, for Pcúic món; the island meant, perhaps — the 





25. naobaosan, ef. naobaio rpoamail, XXII. 5. 37. Ealla, the place of his 


Em——m—m—m a ,.'muuvuww,wuwuwuuwuwuuuvuvwvwvwuvuwm—lr.'.'mNm—'—w 


xYyE | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 91 


39 


49 


so 


Heasen and earth have torn themselves asunder, 
The low has fiercely swallowed up the high, 
Typhon lay in a soft, lovely sleep, 
Until he leaped on the shore through the absence of the tide; 
The black, blue-mouthed sea-serpents, 
All ceased from their swimming 
That the gods might hear what royal princee 
Oí the noble race of Milesius had died. 


Cliodhna, from the white fairy rock, said 
That it was the noble warrior of bright Clonmeen, 
A royal chieftain of Cashel, a high branch, 
The noble O'Callaghan and his seed, 
The protecting robe of Ealla im the day of distress 
Protectineg with the vigour of his strength and sword, 
Who lies beside the Lee, in the south, cold in death ; 
O bitter piercing sting of death to me, said she. 


The chalk-white Aoibhill screamed in gnef íor Domhnall, 
She poured her tears on the waves, 
Ioba started and was seised by a deadl|xy fren;y, 
And angels tearfully lamented ; 
The fair Island gave him, as he dwelt in a beautaful glorious city, 
Large estate-lands and rents; 
His soul is amid the saints in high esteem, 
And this is better as a possession than worlds. 


THE EPITAPH. 


O gray marble stone, beneath which the beloved of the land of the 
Gael hes low, 

Should someone inguire what chieftain is this who is treasured 
beneath thy side, 

Reply readily, nor delay in discoursing on the tidings, 

'The true O”Callaghan and the son of the O'Callaghan is he. 


Inismore of XV. 152. Imismore, or the Great Island, is perhaps that in Cork 
Harbour, on which Oueenstown stands. The Cotters owned this island in the 
seventeenth century. O'Callaghan lived at Mount Allen, county Clare. 


47: maoim —naoin, spelled according to Connaught pronunciation. 
49. manrmain ; a manbal, a monbauill, &e., are variants. 


92 odáNca aoohaaúáiN uí nachailLte. [xvn. 


SCIIIe 


c1R Dás inuineeanc4da uí áníoDóa. 


4 bái, oo nuaair Nluineeancac uaimn; 
Ró oéiseanac an uainn oo eéác; 
Fugoais so Pnear Caoga oon cill, 
(LC oeiáilc leir ní cnbe ao bhás. 


óo bnáe, a áanb-leac, ceanaul le oúcnacc píopr 
Cn pánac pleaprama lén cneacaóo ao oubac an cín; 
(I a-cár ao b-pneabpaó ó Cchenon éusamn aníol' 
Fdáira so ogmnaíon an paille, ap bnhúis a énoióe. 


Cnoióe san aó-cnucáe, aan caipe, 
IO Ciniceac pPuain bárp bíoscsa, 
Cá pe a n-pmríonn oá piandaó, 
]Toin reaca oiabal oá aníopao. 


Cá óníobeéa ai pnue pin Styx ao pPaon, las, peann, 

lr na mílce bnhuimnnánol an” pocuin an éaob oon abainn, 
( 5noióe-conp mn pá hc 3T oaoil oá panabaoó 
Dpíomecoin uilc le nn oá óaonao i oeamain. 





XVII.—In his satire on Cronin, our author handles the subject of this fierce 
poem severely. He also refers to him in XIII., and 1. Murtagh Griffin was 
administrator to Helen, wife of Nicholas, Lord Kenmare. He had been originally 
a Catholic. In a “ Book of Claims”'? (1701), concerning the lands forfeited, in 1688, 
we have the following entry: ““Murtogh Griflin, gent., as Administrator to Dame 
Helen Browne, and on behalf of Sir Valentine Browne, and the rest of the children 
of the said Helen, elaims £400 per annum, and the anrrears thereof, on the whole of 
Sir Valentine Browne'g estate, by a reversing clause in the act of Parliament.” 
He appears to be the person who was Clerk of the Common Pleas, to whom a long 
letter on the state of Kerry was written by Maurice Hussey, February 28th, 1712. 
See Old er Reeords, second seiies, p. 139. “The strong language of this poem 
indicates the feeling that prevailed in those days against those who rose on the ruin 
of the great nobles. 


XYII. | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 93 


Dec NI IÚIL, 


ON THE DEATH OF MUIRCHEARTACH O'GRIFEIN. 


Thou has taken Muircheartach from us, O death, 
Too late is the time for everyone; 

Snatch Tadhe guickly from us to the churchgard, 
Tt is not fittine to separate him from him forever. 


For ever, O rude stone, bind down with 2eal 

The wandering rake by whom the country has been wofully 
despoiled ; 

Lest he might come back to us suddenly from Acheron, 

Press the villain tightly and bruise his heart. 


A heart pitiless and without mercy, 
IO A heretie who met with a sudden death, 
Heiis in hell tortured 
Roasted among a band of demons. 


Griffin is feeble, weak, and helpless, in the stream of Styx, 

Aeccompanied by thousands of maidens at the river 's marge; 

His great body is beneath the stone, and chafers mangle it, 

While the primal hounds of evil, and demons, execute his 
damnation with bitterness. 








2. Caós, Tadhg Dubh O'Cronin. In a severe personal satire on Cronin, the 
poet connects him with Grifiin in an unenviable manner. Griflin has the task 
alloted to him of selecting a new nobility from among the rustics in the room of 
those who had been banished, while Tadhg looks after the “ Parliament.' 

Io. báTr bíosóa, a sudden or startling death. M bioadaó. 

II—I2. aníoTra0 is guite as suggestive as Gniobóa. A gives the chain word, 
for 11—12 it has 

“ Mí léin apníonn oá píianaó 


TNuinceancac ialman O óniíopa.”” 


I5. A deviation from MS. reading has been necessary in this line. 


94 


20 


oáNca aoohaaúin uí nRachaitLte. [xvn. 


Oeamain ipPnmnn oo nua 
Cug oaé an sul ain a né; 
O? gó Deaoan an oonup none, 
'S oo cucuó píor ao cis na n-ogaon. 


Ó óaonaimp Sluococ Óibin baóo poilbin clú, 

lr le caom-éumann cléine ao ocuagip oo éúl; 
O Préanair mac Séamuir, le epmnin na mionn, 
(1 péire mc, ní leun lom a napníonn cú. 


aH cedaNag4(. 


Féo” áoile cá, a neamain-leac, amup, can Sionainn eéáimma ; 
Péire cnuúinnmnágee aeall sac epann-bacs bpipce énáioce; 
Deacac cuinpe meall sac peana-bean émae eéánlaaá ; 

lr béal clpoe éum mionn oo éabainc a a-coimne an pápa. 


Thaon cuinpe ceanncain o'Peallpamop cineaó Cánéac, 

lr caom-íonao an c-reabaic ón leamain oá naoinío Dancurp, 
Oaon-pPeanann éocll, "na seall po, cuse cánlais ; 

Sé cnoiáce ao sann oo Ceampull Caille h-Óinne. 





22. caom-óumamn cléine - á“ the Catholic Church.” 27. peacaó is 


a syllable too long, and does not give assonance; perhaps néac is the true reading. 


3I[. M ó &eánlaa ; A 17, for ro, and apnionn, for peanann, which 


suits assonance better. If we read ipníomm, then 32 should begin 'S pé, &e. ; 
and 6411, in 51, will- “in the other world,” which may be the meaning in 
either case. 


xvII. | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 95 


20 


39 


The demons of hell he put to flight 

Which made his countenance of the colour of coal; 
Peter shut the door against him, 

And he went down to the house of the condemned. 


Since thou didst condemn the race of Eibhear of pleasant fame, 
And didst turn thy back on the fair company of the clergy, 
Since thou didst desert the son of James for a blaspheming band, 
'Thou serpent of evil, [ grieve not that thou art in hell. 


THE BINDING. 


Beneath thy maw, O stout stone, lies a reprobate who eame across 
the Shannon ; 

A sgerpent who embex;led the pledges of every poor ruined 
helpless man; 

A wicked sinner who deceived the slender maidens who ceame in 
his way ; 

Lips skilled in pronouncing imprecations against the Pope. 


Wicked steward of a barony, who plundered deceitfully the 
MacCarthys, 

And the fair seat of the warrior from the land which is called 
Parthus, 

In reward for this, dear is yonder demesne he possesses, 

Six scarce feet of the Killarney Church. 


96 odúNc4 aoohdaadiN uí RachaiúLe. — [xwrr. 


BA UUUE 


CUIR DRÓad10 00 DRONN400 ain. 


Oo puanap reóioe 31? león a m-bneááócacc, 
Oá bnóis caoine míne bláéa, 

Oon leaéan oo bí ran Deanbaine báin éeal, 
Ir cusaoan loimaeiop Rís Dilb cap páile ; 


Oá bnpóis rioraoiáse niobanca beannóa ; 
Oá bnóis buana a o-cuansainc lán-ónoc ; 
Oá bpóis learaiáóe beannaó ao bláóman ; 
Oá bnóis oíona ain PFíoe na m-bánca ; 


Oá bpóis Praona éaocnom pápaéca; 

10 Oá bnóis Tocana a naonóaib le námaio ; 
Oá bnóis éana, san caprsan san páibne ; 
Oá bnóia chpoe, san bmipeaó san beánna ; 


Oá bnóis cnóóa ónóa ain áinoib, 

Oo nmneaób oo'n ónoicíionn oo pcoóa0 oon bán-ónuia, 
(Cn bó oo bí oá oíon ain Pápac, 

Oo bí oá paineaó aa an b-Paéac ao lán-éeanr. 


Oo bí Dhoebup cnéimpe a nanáób ón, 
óun óuin Ceaomurp a lionn oub "na oeasanó pun, 
óÓun $oio í 'pan oióce b'áille, 

10 Ó ceann céao púl an cnú boéc snánna. 





XVIII.— This ceurious poem is taken from a seribbhling-book belonging to 
Og Michael O'Longan, and bearing date, 1785. AA few emendations have been 
made from a MS.in R. 1. Academy. The date of composition is given in the 
latter as ““about 1724.” "The O'Donoghue here lauded seems to be Domhnall 
O'Donoghue Dubh, the father of Finneen, the subject of XI. 


17. a nsndáó óÓ1: the usual expression is a ns5ndáÓ léa. 40. In this reference 
to Phcoebus and the cow, there is a confusion of two mxyths. 19. 7eus, not 
Pheebus, stole Europa, the sister of Cadmus, who was sent by his father, Agenor, 
in search of her. After consulting the oracle of Delphi, he was directed to 


EIT.) THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 97 


XVIII. 


ON A PAIR OF SHOES PRESENTED 'TO HIM. 


I have received jewels of conspicuous beauty : 

A pair of shoes, fair, smooth, handsome, 

Of leather that was in white Barbary in the south, 

And which the fleet of King Philip brought over the sea ; 


A pair of shoes, neat, decorated, well-trimmed ; 

A pair of shoes, durable, in stamping on great hills; 

A pair of shoes that repair breaches beautifully ; 

A pair of shoes that are a protection from the roughness of the 
meads; 


A pair of shoes, of high guality, light, closely-fitting; 
Io AÁ pair of shoes, steady, in eneounters with a foe ; 

A pair of shoes, slender, without folds, or welts; 

A pair of shoes, nimble, without seam, or gap ; 


A pair of shoes, valiant, splendid in public places; 

A pair of shoes, made of the hide torn from the white cow, 
The cow that was guarded in a desert place, 

And watched over by a giant with great care. 


Pheebus íor a season was 1n love with her, 
io that he put Cadmus into black melancholxy after her, 
Until he stole her, on a most beautiful night, 

s;o From the hundred-eyed head, the poor, ugly monster. 





follow a. certain kind of cow, and to build a town on the spot where she should 
sink of exhaustion. As he wished to sacrifice the cow he sent for water to the 
well of Ares, whose guardian dragon slew the messengers, 'Thereupon Cadmus 
slew the dragon. 2”. 7eus had converted Io into a white heifer, but Hera, dis- 
covering the plot and obtaining command of the heifer, set Argus Panoptes to 
watch her. But 7eus commanded Hermes to put Argus to death and deliver Io. 
'The story in the text is a curious mixture of both fables. 7eus is confounded 
with Apollo, Cadmus with Hermes, and Io with Europa. 
I8. Ceaomur, íor Caomup-: like Ceanolur, for Canolup. 
YOL. III. H 


98 


39 


49 


oánNca aoohaadáinM uí nRachaiULe. —[xwm. 


bnósa an énoicmn ní bosa le báire, 

Tr ní ónuaóann ceapbac a m-banna ná a m-bálca, 
Ní léanann agaoées a pséimn ná n-oeállnao 

Ní Ós apea iT ní cnapaio le lán-cegp. 


On suaine pnaómcana a lapaa 'ra pála, 
Gueine clúin an cúip oob áille, 

Cua clann Cuineann can uipse “na n-ánóac 
Cum Uuscó oo bí lúcman láíoin. 


bnósa b'Ppeanna níon éeapaoan oáimme, 
lr ní b-puagin dúícil a pamail ne prárcaóc, 
Cn oióneaóc éug cneiáego ain Ajas, 

Ní b-puaim 3go, c3146 oian a náíóce. 


Cn meanaé lén pollaó an cnoicionn po náióom lb, 
Oo pimneaób oon ónuaió baó ónuaióe oá o-cáima, 
Seaóc s-céao blaóaim na oiabail oo báoan 

(ls oéancnim oeilg le ceil Dolcánp. 


(in bnuaócaiD Acheron o'eaprsain an cnáib oub, 
'S a pníom le cailleacaib cuíoeacsea ÁAtrops, 
Lén puasaó peóin na m-bnóaa n-oeánpanac 
Le comacsa onaoióeaócsa an cnín ban ánpa. 


Oo báoan pealao oá a-ceapab oo ÓOánur, 

Mó so pua Ctlaronum bapnpa na a-ceáno leip, 
Oo báoan cnéimmpe as Caepan láioin, 

óun soiroeagó bnéaaa an c-Taoscil oá lán-cnoia. 


Oo báoan cnémipe as oéieib Páilbe, 

(s Uin clúmail p as Lua na lán-óneac, 
(([s Doob oeana, baó éaca le náimaro, 

Tr as balan béimionn éaccac aóbnac. 





28. lúoman : A lúbac. 31. The defeat of Ajas, in the contest with 


Ulysses for the shield of Achilles, caused his death. See Odyssey, Bk. XI. 


XVIII. | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 99 


39 


49 


Shoes of this hide, they do not soften by rain; 

Nor do hot seasons harden their tops, or their welts ; 
Winds do not mar their beauty, or their lustre ; 

They do not shrink, or shrivel, through excessive heat. 


The bristle that bound their edges, and their heels, 

Was a Dristle of feathers of the finest incense, 

Which the children of Tuireann brought in their bark across 
the sea, 

To Lughaidh, who was vigorous an(l strong. 


Shoes more perfect poets have not feigned ; 

Nor did Achilles get the like of them for comfort 

In his legacy, which brought pain on Ajax; 

He did not get them, vehemently though he declaimed. 


The awl] that pierced this hide I tell you of, 

Was made of steel the best tempered that could be procured ; 
Seven hundred years were the demons 

Fashionine the point with the skewer of Vulcan. 


On the brink of Acheron grew the black hemp, 

Spun by the haes of the band o£t Atropos, 

By which the borders of the beaunteous shoes were sewn 
Through the magical power of the three aged women, 


'They were for a time being fitted up for Darius, 

Until Alexander carried off the perfection of the arts; 

For a season they were possessed by the mighty C;esar, 

Until the ornaments of the world were stolen from off his power- 
ful feet. 


'They were for a time in the possession of the gods of Failbhe, 
Of the renowned Lir, of Lughaidh of vast spoils; 

O£ Bodhbh Dearg, a stay against the foe ; 

Oí Balar, of the blows, the renowned in deeds, the fortunate. 





38. Atrops— Átropos, one of the Fates. 4o. ánra. A láioinn. 


H 2 


100 oáNca aoohasúáin uí nachallle. —[xvm. 


(4 m-bnuóáin maise Seanaib in paoa oo báoan, 
5o (6 Coibill pe as onaoicib ánpa ; 

(4 n-uaccan ní éaicío ní éaillio a n-oeallnam, 

Oo puaparp igao ón b-paal-Fean páilceac. 


Oomnall cnearoa mac Caéal oo náíióm ub, 
Cunpcallac píon, Tr caoireac aóbnac, 

Oo pón an Sleanna ná peacaó oá náimaro, 
Oo bnonn oompa na bnósa bneáséa. 


MN“ salan ná leiáiprpío, cneiáio ná lán-ceipc, 
Ciac ná peana ná peacaób le pánaió, 
Canc ná aonca, ná ocnpnar cnáióce, 

6o Deannaio ná paan ná oiacain báip-bnuo. 


lonnca oo niépeaó Opsan saac beanna, 
(ti n-oleóióaib 'T a a-comnac námaío ; 
óoll mac IRónna, séan món a cáil pm, 
CC n-aapacoc baó mian man các leip. 


(Is Cúpí oo biooan náice, 

Ir as Cúculainn NWluineeimmne baó éábaoccao, 
48 Ileaob Cnuacna oo buaóaó báine, 

Tr as Miall ólún-oub, aip as Conall Ceannac. 


4 s-Cluain Caimb in oeanb sun báoan, 
79 C[s Ounlaina oo bí púsac prároa; 
'S oá naaóaóo pé a n-all ”p a bpápsaaó ainn, 
Oo béanpaó Tmlunchaó ón iom Prin plán lei. 


(Tn cí oo ncuo ip pegr a cáile, 

Dile oo anian-Thocs Fianna ir Páilbe 
Oo Paoiéib Cain, baó peanóa, páilceac, 
Cug oompa na bnósaa bneáséa. 





49. Seanub, asie A : another MS. gives SainD as a correction. 

ss. The O'Donoghues of Glenflesk : see Introd., also XLIX. 

50. In prose the phrase is oo bnonn onm-pa. 

s8. peacaó le pánaó : variants are pala re pánuó, paóaille ain 
ránaó. 61. M, Tonna pamail oo niéeaó an c-uiree ain aadóo beannain. 


XVII. | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 101 


5o 


6o 


79 


Long were they in the fairy mansion of Magh Seanabh ; 
They belonged to Aoibhill, and to the ancient magicians; 
They wear not their uppers out, nor lose their appearance ; 
It was a hospitable, generous man who bestowed them on me. 


Domhnall the polite, the son of Cathal, is the man I speak of, 

A true hero, a fortunate chieftain, 

O£f the race of the Glen, who knew not to retreat before their 
enemies ; 

It was he who presented me with the beautiful shoes, 


There is no disease, or pain, or sore affliction they will not cure; 
No asthma, or Írenay, or falling sickness ; 

No thirst, or starvation, or gnawine hunger; 

No tribulation, or torment, or evil of death-bondage. 


In them would Osgar run upon every gap, 

In battles and fights with the enemy ; 

Goll mac Morna, though great his fame, 
Yeapnea for the loan of them, as all othens did. 


Cúrí had them for a guarter; 

And Cuchulainn of Muirthemhne, who was vahant; 
And Meadhbh of Cruachan, who used to win the goal; 
And Niall Glun-Dubh ; and Conall Cearnach; 


In sooth they were on the plain of Clontart; 

Dunlaing had them there, who was joyous and contented; 

Could he but have tied their thongs and fastened them upon him, 
He would have brought Murchadh safe with him from that conflict. 


Conspicuous is the fame of the man who gave them, 

A chief of the sun-bright race of the Fianna and of Failbhe, 
Of the nobles of Cashel, who were hospitable and manly; 
He it was who bestowed on me those splendid shoes. 








7o. Ounlana. Dunlaing O'Hartigan came late to the battle of Clontarf, 


being delayed by the fairies. He came to meet certain death, and foreknew that 
Murchadh would also fall. 


102 


8o 


9o 


oánNca daophasúin uí nRachaiúLe. —[xvwm. 


Cioó cá ne realao paoi Sallaib as áicpeab, 
Níon Posluim uaéa cnuarm ná cnáióceacs, 
Ní'l canmnceaóc “na énoióe ná cáim cun, 

((éc oúécap mai a Pean aga Pór lei. 


TFean pialman np paal le oáime, 

Fean snéiáseac nán énéi a cáinoe, 

TFean bnonncae cabanéac páis-óáinc, 
Fean rocam pulc nác aoinseac adíbéegc. 


Ní reancap bnéiae a paéis ao h-áno ain 
Ooc nís óéas oo'n bnémhn ó o-cáima 

Oo bí as nanaó a naaóaib Páilbe 

Ó Car c-rolum so Oonnchaó oeáaáéac, 


4N ceaNada(. 


Ir cosa reóioe mo bnóad nn ní copmuil nú puínn; 
Ir cóin iao am nóodaib na naonm ún líoa; 

Fóinpaó mo bnón-pa cé ooiló oúbae pinn 

Sun cosaó oampa le Oomnall Ó Oonnchaóa boinn. 





88. M ócapcallop. A ó Ceap c-poluip. 
91. In one MS. (R.1.A.) this line is erased, and the following substituted :— 


é“ posuil nó-óuinre beó óonail c1o00 oo11b oubao pinn.” 





XVIII. | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 103 


8o 


go 


Though he has lone been dwelling with the English, 

He learned from them nor churlishness, nor ill-humour ; 
There is no stinganess in his heart, nor has he a fault, 

But the hereditary goodness of his ancestors grows with him. 


A generous man, hospitable to the bards; 

A vwirtuous man, who has not abandoned his frnends; 
A bestower, a contributor, of philosophical mind; 

A sober, joyous man, who is not guerulous or cruel. 


It is not spreading abroad a lyine pedigree of him 

To say that there were eighteen Kings of the race from which he 
sprang 

Ruling in the lands o£f Failbhe, 

From Cas of the light to Donnchadh the good. 


THE BINDING. 


My shoes are choicest jewels, many are not like them; 

They are an ornament on roads of the fresh-eut, blue stones; 

It will be a relief to my sorrow, sad and wretched though I am, 
That Domhnall O'Donoghue has chosen soles tor me. 


104 odáNc4a goohaaúdin uí nRachallLe. [sr. 


ARD, 


GIR Dás OdusoN. 


Faoi lán na hce po cunóa cá an olla-piape neaman, 

Oo ónáió le olóeib an Puiríionn baó mine mam ceann; 
Oo b'peánnoe mire, ir sac n-ouine acá Pulana pian óall, 
(n bár oá paíobaó cá euilleaó ip pPiée bhaóain ann. 


Cuimnib ao lom páo” bonn a aginb-leac món 

Cn mupaupe pallpa oo meabnma sanauo 3T PaóÓia, 

Ue oliacib na nóall éua paannnaó ain Danba ip cóin, 

]lr so bpeiceam-na an c-am beió pán pamail po a maineann 
o”á pón. 


On mapb po peuc, mo léan ! nán prmaeccng a éoil ; 
io lr mana oo ónéis Mac Oé ir man Deaoan nán soil, 
4 manb ní h-éacc 'p an méio nán maimnb ní boóc, 

ClCc aun manb é péin man aon 3íoi4n anam in conp. 


]lr iomóa manb oo mainb an manb po púc-pa, a líos, 
lr mana oon mapnb-po mainpeaó le nún a ónoióe, 
Tlanb oo mainb na mainb 3 nán ionncaa pháe, 
'Sií manb é an mapb po a n-Acheron púisce píop. 








XIX.— Seaghan Claragh Mac Donnell has written a poem on the same subject 
as the above. It is longer and far fiercer than O'Rahilly'”s. 


4. o91abal of M88. does not suit metre; a milder word like báp suits. 
6. raóis “the neck,” hence “servitude  (?). 
I5. oo mainb na maimnb: ef. as bhuóaó na manb, VIII. 23. 


xix.] THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 105 


IO 


Dei Duc 


ON THE DEATH OF DA W8SON. 


Underneath the middle of this stone is laid the sleek serpent, 

Who harassed with enactments a people long in prospenity ; 

Better had it been for me, and for all who suffered hardships 
from the English, 

Had death snatched him away more than a score of years ago. 


O great, strong stone, hold tightly beneath thy foot, 

The false tyrant who planned deceit and servitude, 

Who brought destruction and rout on Banba by English laws, 

And may we see the time when all of his race who survive shall 
he beneath stones hke thee. 


Lo! this dead man, alas, who subdued not his will; 

Woe to him who abandoned the Son of God and did not weep 
hke Peter; 

His death is no loss, and those whom he killed not are the richer 
Top mb, 


But he, for one, is dead as regards both soul and body. 


Many dead did he do to death, he who hes in death beneath 
thee, O stone ! 

Woe to the dead man who should live with the secrets of has 
heart ; 

A dead man who slew the dead, and changed not his ways, 

And this dead is now dead sueked down into Acheron. 


106 oáNc4 daoohaaúin uí nachailLe. [:ss: 


WeAe 


cIONÓL Na Ó-prean muithNe4C€. 


(Is riubal oam ain bnmáionea na NWluman món o-cimmóaoll 
Oo céuaóaman 'r an senhnneaó éudió éonaimn, 

Oo bí Cuaéal Ó Rínn ann, ir 5onsall Ó Cuínn ann, 
Ir rtluaniáce pean luimneac na b-pocain ; 

Oo bí onuaóa ir onaoiée ann, uaiple asurp íple 
Iona n-uaine a m-buóe 317 a nsonm ; 

1r san nuaimne ain an m-buróin pin anuar aós bnuic píooa, 
O cluapaib a maoile ao copaib. 


Oo bí Ó Méill ann, Ó Oomnaill, Ó Concubain 'ra plóisce 
IO Tac Caneaá món :r IWlac Cpníomeain ; 

Oo bí eseanna cíne €osaim ann, Ó bman ceancna bóinme; 
THac Caeáin, Wlac Cóoa agsup ouilleaó; 

Cpí pacio cóin, ngoi3i paóio peómna, 
Cniíocao nís conóineac can conna, 

(lec ní nab nís Seoinre ann, ná aonneac oá pón-pan, 
"Mán a-cubnaonn, "'nán a-cóin, nó “'nán a-cumann. 


Oo bí bnúnae Loc Léin ann, ir bnúnaé na h-éile; 
(In Oiúic ir a saolca pn mle; 

Dí an búncae, "pan Léireae, Ó Ouaoa 'pan Céicneac, 

20 'San Cúnpac puan aéilleaóo a a-cúise ULlaó. 

Ó Uonoomm ei pméinle, cap-ónúbaée an béil omnb, 
lr rúba an cobac bnéim ain a plucaib, 

Cum rpiúna ain án laocncanó le púoan ir le pléanab 
lr cúisean níon céannain oán b-pPuinmn. 





XX.— This interesting song, composed to a beautiful air, has come down by 
oral tradition. “There are two copies of it in the Royal Irish Academy ; one is 
modern, made by the late Nicholas O'Kearney. He inserts his ewn family name, 
in line 12, for Rac Cóoa, of the older copy. Some of those allusions in the 
poem are obscure, but it appears to have reference to the expected rising in favour 
of the Pretender, soon after the accession of George 1. 


I. amp - “amongst, from one to one”; the order perhaps is as rnubal oam 


ao“ hi] THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 107 


I, 


THE ASSEMBLY OF MUNSTERMEN. 


In my wanderings among the fairy mansions, throughout Munster 
Went LL, in the winter that has just passed ; 
With me there were Tuathal O'Rinn, and Gordall O'Guinn, 
And hosts of Munster men in their company ; 
There were druids, and magicians, the noble, and the lowlsy, 
In their various colours of green, of yellow, and of blue; 
Nor did the band wear any other covering by night, 
Than silken coverlets from the ears of their head to their feet. 


There were O”Neill, and O”Donnell, and O"Connor, and their hosts, 
io MacCarthy Mor, and MacCriomhthain, 

There was the losxd of Tyrone, the trne O'Brien of the Borumha, 
MacCahan, MacGillgeuddy, and many besides; 

There were three score festive bands, nine score apartments, 
And thrice ten crowned monarchs from over the main; 

But King George was not there nor any of his family, 
Taking part with us, or present with us, or in our company. 


There was Brown from Lough Lein, and Brown írom Eile, 
The Duke, and his relatives, in full muster; 
There was De Burgh, De Lacey, O'Dowd, and Keating, 
20 And De Courcy, who obtained sway in the province of Ulster. 
From London comes a elown, eantankerous, club-footed, ot black 
mouth, 
With the juice of foul tobacco on his cheeks, 
Who dispersed our heroes, with powder and shot, 
Nor did five of our band escape. 





ain bnuiiona, oo óuabaman mon o-cimóiíoll na muiman. 

3. O'Curry (MS. Cat. R.1I.A.) thinks this poem has reference to some 
political movement in Munster, in which the Celtic and Anglo-Irish families were 
to take part. 2I. rméinle. “The allusion is obscure. The individual 
here referred to appears to be the “: Roibin ” of Eachtra Chloinne Thomáis,” who 
is called “ Robin an tobac,” and an “oslac 85alloa.? 


108 


39 


49 


oáNc4 aoohaaúinN uí nRachailte. [xx 


Ó Dpircó ai ceann cmnc ag leisear an an s-caompa 
Cpí h-aóanca “sur peam ain man cluinm ; 

Ní pnab leiáear ain san amnap, aun rainn onéóa clamna, 
Nó claióne san ceann le nís Dilb. 

Leisean pe ceann cunic le cnáiaá IT chí beann ain, 
Ueseap an ó Fnancac ní pus ran; 

So ríoó-bnuse Cnoic Samna níon óíomaoin oam amail oul 
Díonn píonca “sur bnanoa aca an íomgao. 


Cas an pápa 'ran cléin ceanc a láéain an éinha, 
Tona láim óeap bíonn céin asup coimmol ; 

Cas bláe can na séasdaib aip o'Páileia an ppéin álan 
Romh snára lic Oé oo éeacc éusann; 

Cais an pánuóe aan aon looc (ció náiócean leir bnéasa) 
"Na lán-ceumaír' caom-áólan oá íonao; 

bdáiópaó ré an cnéaoa eGuga cáin asup, béim oo, 
Tr ní náióimm-pe ann púo aon nuo na coinnib. 





25. The Ow]l seems to represent the British Navy: for campa the older M8. 
has cambnuío. “The whole stan;a, 2ó—32, is obseure. 27. leióegar, the 
older MS., peaúim. —(4/0. clamna - ascratcher. Why is the same thing called 
a “clamna” and a “claióne aan ceann”? A erying child is sometimes called 
a clamhna. 33-40. The triumph of the Pretender is described, and the 
calumnies regarding his parentage scornfully alluded to. 


sex. THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 109 


From Bristol there came an Ow]l to rehieve the camp, 
He had three horns and a tail, as I hear; 
Doubtless there was no help for it, till there sprang upon them a 
scratcher, 
Or a headless vagabond, belonging to King Philip. 
He sends the Ow]l, with his three horns, adown the tide, 
39 Nor could he receive any aid from the French; 
For one like me it was no idle Journey to the fairy mansion of 
Cnoc Samhna, 
They are wont to have wines and brandies in great abundance, 


The Pope with the true clergy comes to where the destruction 
was wrought ; 
In has right hand he held a seal (wax) and a candle ; 
The boughs burst forth into blossom, and a cloudless heaven 
welcomes 
The grace of the Son of God which is come unto us; 
Comes the wanderer without a blemish—though he has been evil 
spoken oí— 
To his rightful place in his full power and pure beauty; 
He will submerge the band who despised and struck at him, 
49 And for that 1 will say nothing against him. 


110 oáNca aoohaaúinN uí nRachalilLte. [xsr. 


XXI. 


an pale an Leabaió a Dáis ad S5RÍODgÓ 8us a 
GanR4al0o 14R N-OUL 4 N-éaoÓóas oO 4 8a-CÚ181Ú0 
úiníóce. 


Cabain ní áoinpeao ao a-cuinsean me a a-cnuimn-eéomhnainn, 
'S oan an leaban oá naoinpinn níon óoiníoe an níó óom-pa, 
Ón s-coónae uile slac-éumapaóc píl €osaimn, 

Tr collca a a-cuiple amp omós a m-bníosá ain Peoógaó. 


Oo éonn-ópié mnnóinn, o'iméia mo bhíomóóógap, 

Poll am” :íonaéan, bionanna cním'” ónólann, 

ún b-ponn án b-poiéim án mona T. án míon-éóomaup, 
4 naeall ne pinainn as Puimnimn ó cníoe Dover,. 


Oo boóan an c-Síonaimn, an Uipe, 'r an Laoi ceolman, 
io Obaimn an bionna óuib, Dnpuce, ir Dmáiro, Dóimne, 

Com Uoc Oina "na nuoe, ar Cuinn Cóme, 

Ó lom an cuineasa cluice ain an Rís conóineac. 








XXI.—A painful interest attaches to this poem. “The author had been reduced 
to extreme poverty, his lands and cattle and even his house had apparently been 
seised for rent-charge or some such debt. He lay on his bed of death and thence 
despatched this epistle toa friend. Every line ofit breathes the spirit of un- 
wonted passion. “There are two copies of the poem in the Royal Irish Academy 
and another in the British Museum. “The style is abrupt and many of the allusions 
areobseure. "The full title of the poem as given im text is found only in the British 
Museum copy. 


2. oan an leaban, lit. “by the book,” :.e., the Bible; a common mode of 
strong assertion. 


3. coónaCc, sing. for pl. 4. an óuiple is a variant (R.1.A.) 
7. comaean, Brit. Museum copy ; the two copies, R.I.A., comaup, which 
may - “neighbourhood,' or — “kinsíolk. “The latter meaning suits best 


hore. 





XXI. THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. lu 


AA 


THE POET ON HIS DEATH-BED WRITING TO HIS FRIEND, 
HAVING FROM CERTAIN CAUSES FALLEN INTO 
DESPONDENCY. 


I will not cry Íor help, till I am put into a narrow coflin, 

And I swear, 3£ 1 were to cry, it would not come at my call; 
All our chieftains, the strong-handed of the race of Eoghan— 
Their strength is undermined, and their vigour gone to decay. 


My brain trembles as a wave, my chief hope is gone; 

Mx entrails are pierced through, darts penetrate my heart; 
Our land, our shelter, our plains, our fair kinsfolk, 

In pledge for a penny to a band from the land of Dover! 


The Bhannon, the Liffey, and the tuneful Lee are become 
discordant, 
io “The stream of the black water, of Brick, of the Bride, and the 
Boyne, 
The waist of Lough Derg and Tonn Toime are turned red 
Since the knave completely won the game from the crowned King. 





8. Unfortunately we are ignorant of the preeise transacfion he refers to; 
pinaimn, a “ penny,” hence, a “trifle.” 

9. bo boóan, was discordant like a bell out of tune. 

to. bnióio may be taken as poet. gen. after abainn or bóimne, poet. nom. 
'The former seems preferable. 

II. B eoscm. Aceom: 

12. lom, oo lom pe cluiée seems — “he won the game even to bareness,' 4.e., 
completely- -cuineaca - “Knave” at cards in spoken language. O'R. has 
cuineac. The Knave and King are William III. and James ITI., respectively: 
cf. Rape of the Lock :'— 


The Knave of Diamonds tries his wily arts, 
And wins, oh shameful chance, the Oueen of Hearts. 


112 odáNc4a aoohaaáiN uí nRachailLe. [ssr. 


To álam ! ar mmac oo Pialm-pe ríon-óeóna; 

lr cnom mo éubaipc, “fir? oune me ain míocoméónom; 

Fonn ní éiseann am aoine 'r me aa caoi an bóiomnb: 
((Cc posan na muice noc aoincean le parseapóineaocc. 


Goll na Rinne, na Cille, ap cníé €Cosanaóc, 

Oo lom a $oile le h-mneapbaió, ap oté eóna, 

(tn preabac “s a bpuilo pin mile 'r a a-cíopóineaóc, 
;o DPaban ní éaeann oon oume cé agoil oó-pan. 


Fán cnom-loc o?méia ain éinegaó na níos mónóa, 
Cneabann óm nipíonnaib mpae ao praím-ólónac, 

lr lonnman éuino mo Pnuiéib-pí paoimpeosa, 

'S an abamn uo filear ó Cnupall so caoin-eocuill, 


Scaopao peapoa TI san oam éag san maill, 

Ó cneapsnaó oneasaim Leamain, Léin, ip Laoi, 
Racao na b-para—le reanc na laoc—opon call, 
Ha plaéa pá naib mo Pean nom éaga oo Cníorpo. 





16. Does the poet refer to the seisure of a pig for hearth-money or for tithes? 
17. óÓoll, B and one MS. R.I.A. have óall. "The words are pronounced 
alike. Goll is used often like Opsan, &e., for a hero. 

I7—2o. This stan?a is obscure. It seems simplest to take Goll and preabac 
as referring to the same person, and a óonle - “his (that is, my. the poets) strength,” 
and similarly, an ouine as referring to the poet. Who the óo11 was is not clear. 
B has €o65anaóc, as in text, for €oóaim of the other copies, and we know that 
the poet often spoke of Eoghanacht O?Donoghue simply as the Eoghanacht ; ef. 
XIII. 533; hence, not improbably, reference is to Lord Kenmare, whom he had 
already attacked (VIII.). Moreover, from 24 s;fráw it would seem that the poet at 
this time was beside some tributary of the Blackwater that may be said to flow 
from Truipill (a mountain east of Mangerton) to Youghal, or the Blackwater itself, 
as there is also a place called Truipill near the source of the Blackwater. 
na Rinne s: of Ross promontory (?), na Caille -s of Killarney (?). 


scxir.i| THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 113 


My sroan ! often do I shed copious tears, 

Heavy is my woe, and a man am I under injustice, 

No tune comes near me, as Í weep on roads, 

But the screaming of the pig which is wounded by dart-throwing. 


The hero of the Rinn, of Kill, and of the land of the Foghanacht— 
Has wasted his (;.e. my) strength by want and injustice ! 
The hawk who possesses all these and their rentals— 

;o Does not give favour to the man, though he be his kinsman. 


Because of the great ruin that has overtaken the race of the 
proud kines, 

Waters plough their way from my temples with heavy gound ! 

High swelling do my fountains give íorth streams 

Into the river which flows trom Truipill to fair Youghal ! 


I will cease now; death is nigh unto me without delay ; 

Since the warriors of the Laune, of Lein, and of the Lee have 
been laid low, 

Iiwill go under their protection—with the beloved among heroes— 
to the graveyard, 

Those princes under whom were my ancestors since before the 
death of Christ. 





ao. paban, M8. poóan. Pronunciation is much the same. 'Two M88. give 
é18eann ; one copy (R.1.A.) has ugann, which does not rhyme ; the sense is much 
the same ; “fawour does not come (from him) to the man,” — “he does not give favour 
to the man.” 

24. His tears augment the river beside which he is living. It is possible to 
take this line — “ while 1 shed a river from Truipill to fair Youghal.” 

25-28. This stan;a—the last the poet penned—seems to dispose of Edward 
O'BReilly”a statement that the poet was of the Cavan O'Beillys. See Introd. 


VOL. II. I 


114 oúNca aoohaaáiN uí nRachaillte. [xsn. 


PE: 
manÓNa4 oói4anRmuoda uí Uaosaine an Ó1LUfH. 


Cnéao an príoó-bnac nine po ain Fóóla, 
bein an c-1anóan oiaónac oeónac ? 

((n c-eugs cné nióio na conna ao alónac, 
Gr o'Púis an Tiluma a s-cuma so bnónac P 


Cá paémn na b-plaieanp ain laraó man lócnann, 
Cr prnaoc na paimnae as caipmhsc le peonóaimn, 

ém a s-cneaóob le h-anaée an éomnaic, 

(IT cnéacsa an calamn as epneasaince 'T as Pósaine. 


Raobaro praamaill ir prsapaio le pónpra, 

IO Cáio caona pnapa oá a-caiéeaim ain bóicib, 
óéim na Saeala so Ceallab ain cóimn-óelop, 
(t n-oéis an mainb man meapanro luoc eólarp. 





XXII.—The subject of this, perhaps the finest of all the elegies, was Diarmuid 
O'Leary of Killeen, near Killarney, who died in 1696 according to one M88. copy 
ofthe elegy. He is said to have fought under King James, and is popularly known 
as Captain O'Leary. “There is a Leary, but the Christian name is not given, 
mentioned as a Lieutenant in Boiselau's regiment of Infantry, in King James's 
Army, and it is probable that it is the same person. 

The country of the O'Learys called Iweleary is wild and mountainous, and 
extends from Macroom to Inchigeelagh. "The chief residence of the O'Learys was 
Caislean Charra na Curra, which is built on a somewhat elevated roek on the south 
bank of the Lee, a mile to the east of the present village of Inchigeelagh. 'The 
ruins are in a good state of preservation and command an extensive view of the 
valley of the Lee and the mountains of Iveleary. 

The O'Learys had for centuries been followers of the Mae Carthys of Carbery, 
and the castles described were within easy reach of Dunmanwaxy and Tochar, and 
mairiages between them and the Gleann an Chroim MacCarthys were very 
freguent. 

That the O'Learys were a favourite family with our author is manifest from 


 -——w—'ile 


XII. | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 115 


NCTE, 
ELEGY ON DIARMUID O'LEARY OF KILLEEN. 


What fairy-covering of bitterness is this on Fodla, 
Which makes the western reegaons sad and tearful ? 
What the death because of which the waves run noisily, 
And which has left Munster dolefully in gnef ? 


The beauty of heaven blasres hke a torch; 
The violence of the sea struggles with the grassy fields; 
Birds are trembline in terror at the fight; 
And the ravines oí earth reply and make proclamation. 


Clouds burst asunder and violently disperse 3; 

io MBShowers of berres are poured on the roads ; 
'The groan of the Skelhgs is heard at Killybegs; 
Lamentine the dead as the learned suppose. 








this and from some of his other elegies. Indeed he tells us (XXXV.) that his 
ancestors lived £or a time in Iveleary. 

'The text, here given íollows the order of a modern MS. in my own possession. 
It is the most accurate copy of all as regards arrangement, andis the fullest. There 
are several other copies of it extant, many of which I have examined, but most of 
them stumble over the proper names. “The greater part of this poem has come 
down by oral tradition. 

In the list of certificates of persons ordered to transplant from Kerry, in 
1653, we find the inseition “: Arthur Leary of Killeen, gent.” who may have been 
grandfather or uncle to the subject of this elegy. But there is no record of the 
transplantation. 


3-4. These lines may be regarded as an answer to 1—2, or as putting the same 
guestion in another way. “The latter view is preferable. píoó-bnac, sie B, 
Museum copy ; most other copies ranobnaó, which was the word that reached the 
editor by oral tradition. 

II. Ceallaib, Killybegs in Donegal (?). AA metrical translator of this poem 
(A.p. 1820) took the word -— “ the churches.” 

I2 


116 oáNca gaoohaasúáin uí nRachanlle. [xxn. 


Glao na n-oúl ir cúir a s-comnaic, 
Oíianmuo píonn “ran úin mac Oommnaill, 
Canabuncal cnú na món-plaies, 

Ir peanacú nán pmúin beié peóllca. 


Rís-laoc cosaió man oll T1ac TRónna, 

Dním-seuas ronair baó popoa oá óomaul 

ódmipaíóeac na b-pao-raníob oo éómóun 
10 óleacuióe asup caió-míleaó póinnine. 


Uí "na leacain baó Pamail le nóp-lab, 

(6 coimneapsan caóa le pneacsa “na lóoub, 
Incleaóc reabcaic ipÍ aane leosain, 

'O luiaín a baeaip ao praccoilc a bnóise : 


Daó óníob a o-cneaTaib, paoi calma cnóóa, 
Fíocman neansman a sa-caódaib 'p a s-comlann, 
Ríosac peanagac a sa-cairmince T a naleóicib, 
Namairoeac, pPneasnac, rearamac, pónpaóe. 


Uc! mo óíiac! mo pian! mo óeóna! 

30 Ule oiaonac cu a Óíanmuro mie Oomnail ! 
T!o paiaó-ounaó a naliaó-cun, mo leosan, 
THo cnann basan, mo éaca 'p mo lócnann. 


Dbnáeain raon Uí Néill na. a-cóiseac, 

Uí bniain dna, Uí Cealla, "pl Uí Ooimhnaill, 
Tilac na ana oo naoab na peóioe, 

(T céile cnearoa na Cannaise peólca. 


bnáéoin snáóac Tic Cánóa móin cu, 
Cr lic Cánéa na blánnan nán leónaó, 
Tic Cánéa €alla Cinn Daimh na g-cóirnpeac, 
49 Gr Tic Cánéa na Wainae mín macanca moómain, 





I6. pmúin forprmudgin. A man who taught me this poem orally glossed this 
word by nmuama. 

1). peóllca -— peallca, “treacherous” (;). Most M88. have póóalsa or 
póóalca, many pPólca, some polpa; e/f. 94 ínfra; the word in oral version. 
sounded péollsa. 

24. Uuisín - the little hollow in the skull just above the oceiput; cuínn isa 
vanant. 

36. Céile na Cannaae, perhaps the lord of Carrignavar, near Cork, a 


XXII. | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 117 


There is war among the elements; and the cause of their strife is 
That Diarmuid the fair, son of Domhnall, is mm the grave, 

The cearbuncle of the blood o£f the great chieftains, 

And a hero who thought not ot being treacherous. 


A princely warrior in battle like Goll Mac Morna ; 
A prosperous chief branch, the stay of his Kinsfolk ; 
A hero who made far-extending tracks ; 

ao A fighter, and soldier of great might. 


The hue of his cheek was like the rose flower 
Contending in strife with the driven snow ; 

The acuteness of the hawk and the courage of the lion 
From the crown of his head to the sole of his shoe. 


A griffin in battle; a noble, bold, and brave ; 
Fierce and strong in strife and conflict, 
Princely, impetuous, in combat and struggle ; 
Hostile, responsive, endurmng, íorceful. 


Ah! my grief! my pain! my tears! 

3o Alas! my bitter distress thy loss, O Diarmuid, son of Domhnall ! 
My shielding champion to engage in battle, my hero, 
My threatening staft, my stay, my torch. 


Noble kinsman of O'Neill of the Provinces, 

Of O'Brien of Ara, of O'Keily, and of O'Donnell, 
Oí Mac na Mara, who bestowed jewels, 

And of the mild spouse of Carnck of the sails, 


The beloved kinsman of MacCarthy Mor went thou ; 
And of MacCarthy o£í Blarney, the unscathed ; 
Of MacCasthy of Ealla, from Kanturk of the feasts; 
4o And of MacCarthy of the Maine, the mild, the gentle, the 
courteous. 





celebrated branch of the MacCarthys of Muskery ; reólca refers rather to Cork 
than to Carrignavar. But more probably O'Connor of Carrickfoyle is meant. 

38. 'The MacCarthys of Muskery are also ealled of Blarney and of the Lee. 

39. Cimn óaimb, Kanturk (- “ boar's head ”) is meant; banb, “a young pig.” 

4o. na IRaimnse, Cióeanna Coipe Wlainse, a branch of the MacCarthys 
often referred to by the poet. 


118 


so 


6o 


oánNc4a gaoohasúáiNn uí nachallle. [xxn. 


bnrácaimn poinrsil Sloces €ocaió na món-éóaés, 
Cr rleacca Cain na s-cneac can bócna, 
Sleacca Dilb oob'” unpa a n-am sleó éun, 
(Ir Clanna Ruónaáae clúmui, bínn ceólman. 


Dnáecain seannaíio ní, Cainbneac cóiroeac, 

(tr. Uí Rasalla& an cneun-Pean nán leónaó, 
Tic Suibne baó píooman a n-sleóicib, 

CIr Tic C(mlaoib ó Ceamain buóe an mónpn-eon. 


lanla Seannaro an Oaimain 'p an Cóeain, 

Oo bí a s-canaoan ceansailce óoc?” peoil-Puil, 
(On c-lanla cníoé Oún Daoi "ea pón-hlioóc, 

95 an c-lanla píonn alic Cúnpac cnóóga. 


Thac Énna Tana an éin óeanaimn an leosan, 

lla Oonneuóa Cuic "ran Ruip na món-plaó, 

Ua Oonneuóa an bleanna baó macansa a a-comlann, 
Clr rhocc Céin oo óaióeaó a maióegap ne plóiscib. 


Ua Ceallacáin na n-eac m-bán baó éneónac, 
Ua Ruainc oo b'uapal ne oeónanóib, 

Ua Caoimm €ealla Ópuimcainb na o-cónnain, 
Ua Seacnapaá amp Ua Ceanbull cnóóa. 


Dbnácain Feanaurp éalma ónóba, 

Oo euin 4Iba a s-ceansal ne Póóla, 
bDnáeain Néill nán aéill oán n-ónodaib, 
Ná a mac Laosaine cé sun cóin oo. 





41. The O'Sullivans. 

42. Car was the son of Conc, King of Munster, and from him descended the 
O'Donoghues, O'Mahongys, &e. 

44. Clann Ruónaáse, the deseendants of Rauónaéóe Tón, King of Ulster 
and Meath before the Christian era. 

45. The MacCarthys of Carbery, one of the three chief divisions of that family. 

45. an món-éon, na món-con is a variant, and, except for metre, a. better 


reading. 


53. 4n '€ein éeanainn, of the white-faced bird; which means that 


BOAGLT,Í| THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 119 


The stout kinsman of the race of Eochaidh of the great conflicts ; 
And of the race of Cas of the spoils beyond the sea; 

Of the race of Philip who was a prop when the war was waged ; 
And of the race of Rughraidhe, the illustrious, the musical. 


The near kinsman of the king of Carbery, of the coaches; 

Oí O'Reilly the mighty man, the unseathed; 

Of MacSweeney who was fierce in battles; 

And of MacAuliffe from Teamhair Bhuidhe of the great hound. 


The Lords of Shanaid, of Dingle, and of the Tochar, 
so Were in frendship bound to thy hfe-blood ; 

The Lord of the lands of Dunboy and his descendants, 

And the fair, skilful, comely De Courcey. 


Mac Finneen Mara of the Eun Ceanann, the hero, 
O'Donoghue of Torc, and of Ross of the great chieftains, 
O'Donoghue of the Glen, steadfast in the strife, 

And the race of Cian who lavwished hig wealth on hosts. 


O'Callaghan of the white steeds, the active, 

O'Rourke who behaved nobly to strangers, 

O'Keeffe ot Ealla, of Dromtaarbh, o£ hostile pursuits, 
6o O'Shaughnessy and O'Carroll the valiant. 


Kinsman of Feargus, the strone, the valiant, 

Who brought Alba into union with EFodla ; 

Kinsman o£ Niall who did not submiat to our clerey, 

Nor did his son Laoghaire, though he should have done go. 











Mac Finneen was from ““llóc an '€:4n Pinn,” as a lullaby for a, child of the 
O'Leary family tells us :'— 


1r mac PFinnáin ó Uóc an 'Gin Pinn leac. 


56. Cian, ancestor of the O'"Mahongs, is again eulogised by the poet for his 
generosity, XIV. 81—84. 

62. 'The allusion is to Fergus's conguest of Scotland in the early years of the 
sixth century. 

63-—4. Niall of the Nine Hostages; the allusion means that he did not become a 
Christian; oán n-onoaib — “to our hierarchy.” The same is said of Laoghaire, 
cé aun cóin oo, because he got every opportunity. It was Niall who introduced 
St. Patrick into Ireland as a slave, 


120 oáNc4a gaoohaaúin uí nachailLe. [xxu. 


bnáédin Cúnpí ún-ónoióeac leosanca, 
Dnáeain lmal ir Opramn na món-scaó, 
bpráéain Conaill ó pannebpoga bDóinne, 
Gr bnáóain buinne Cúeulamn 3p. €osan, 


Dnáesdain Chnpc na a-caeé oo eómeun, 

7o Gr Comn oo b'aóoin once na a-conóineac, 
Conmaic seal mic Cinc an leosan, 
Cr Cainbne praoip a o-cnear na cneóince. 


Oo níompainn-pe laoise so. léon oc, 

((Cc a Fíon-paor as Taoiéib an eólui, 

óun cníoo-?a oo Píolna&ó sac món-Pul, 

Inr an níosacc-Tro oo pbhíom-Pleaccaib Scósa. 


O'aomuis onaoiée cníoóa Póóola, 
Cr caiópao paoise ap laoic na món-a-caó, 
óun oílir ooo” fanpean so nó-ceans, 

8o Cíop am PFliocc Coimn agsup €eosan. 


(tn líne nnáráb cníon semip san oneóisceacc, 
Ó Íe mac bile so nuagó cu a Oomnaill, 

Le saoir oo nusgaoan uinm na conóineaó, 

Ó pníomhPliooc Oilill Coinn Conane iT €osain. 


Uaoónaó Connaócsc ir Ulaó baóo cenóóa, 

(Tr nísée IWRuman baó cunaneda a a-comlann, 
Cnrníoo-pa pnaíóomio a a-euiple “p a mónóaocc, 
'S ar Ppíon so nuagir can iíomgaó oá n-óacub, 


(1 n-ugipleacc, a m-buaóaóc, 'p a m-beóóaóc, 
go (I s-clú, a a-céill, 'r a n-éipeacc, cónpa, 

4 n-easna a psacipe 'T a nópaib, 

(I o-ceansaódib, a labanécib, “p a n-eólarp, 





82. At Oomnaill, Diarmuid was his name; the poet addresses him by his 
father's name, or else addresses his father. Perhaps we should read ó Oommall. 

83. uinimm - unnaim. 

83-4. He refers to the Battle of Magh Muchruime, in which Mac Con slew 


soguisl] THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 121 


79 


8o 


9o 


Kinsman of Cúnrí of the noble heart, the valiant ; 
Kinsman of Irial, and of Osgar, of the great combats ; 
Kinsman of Conall, from the fair mansion of the Boyne; 
And kinsman of the stock of Cuchulainn, and of Eoghan. 


Kinsman of Art, who engaged in conflicts; 

And of Conn, who was father of Art, of the crowns; 

O£f Cormac the bright, son of Art, the hero; 

And of Cairbre, who seattered the strong hosts in battle. 


1 should weave verses in abundance for thee, 

But that the men of learning know (íull well 

That it is through thee descended every noble blood 

In this kingdom, of the chief families sprung from Scota., 


The druids of the lands of Eodla have confessed, 

And the nobles and the heroes of the great conflicts must confess, 
That to thy ancestors belonged of just hereditary right 

A tribute from the race of Conn and of Eoghan. 


The line of kings through whom without taint thou art descended, 
From Ith son of Bile, till thy birth, O Domhnall, 

By wisdom they won the honour of the crown 

From the main descendants of Oilioll, Conn, Conaire, and Eoghan. 


The heroes of Connaught, and of Ulster, who were valiant, 
And Munster s kings who were strong in conílict,— 

In thee they unite their veins and greatness, 

And truly hast thou excelled many of their youths, 


In nobility, in virtue, and in vigour, 
In fame, in wisdom, in worth, 

In prudence, in generosity, in manners, 
In language, in speech, in knowledge, 





Art, and reigned after him. See note 217 3infra. 


go. cónra, beyond or superiortothem. In a copy of a poem spelled phoneti- 


cally it is oónTa, as pronounced. 


oi. M easanab sx easnaib for eagna, “ prudence.? 


195 oáNc4 dcoohaasáin uí nRachalilLe. [xxn. 


4 lámac líos, a nmace, 'T a a-córm-nió, 
((mancuíseaóc na n-eac nanoióe nán b-peóllca 
(ls cósailc páimnne an náir ain bói, 

'S as caéeam sa ran o-cneap ne Póinneanc. 





(In can oo baipceaó “na leanb an leosan, 

Oo bnonn Mars oo sg óum comnanc, 

Cua oo píce claróeaim ap Tnóll-peanp, 
IO0O (T oo bnonn Diana páinne an óin oo. 


Oo éug Jupiter culaió oon c-pnóll oo, 
Duaió agaur calmaóc sdiT'ae aosup cnóóaóscs, 
Oo éóugs Venus oo cnéiée móna, 

Dneááesaócc gar áilneaoc ar óiae. 


Oo éug Pan oo peap. ar cónoda, 

Oo eéua Bacchus ceans ainn ól oo, 

Cug Vulcanus ceáno am comaócsc 0, 
Ceánoca sgipae na n-anm óum comhaic. 


Oo éug 4oibill cíop “na óóio oo, 
IIO Oo éug Juno clú "na oeóia oo, 
Cug Neptunus long paoi Peól oo, 
Ionan Piubail can pnúill sac món-plaie. 


(tí b-poineapoeaósc oo b'é Solomon solus, 

4 b-pilíóeacc oo óuin eipoise ain Oid, 

(i neanc oo óus Sampson I'aóp oo, 

Le n-an leas T an o-cneap na paóctá móna. 


4 b-peallpaóc oo bí ceann man Scóourp, 

"Ma nanncaub san cam “na gs-cóoaib, 

CC o-ceanacaib, a labaneaib 'p a-n-eólarp, 
I20 'S a m-beancdailb nann oo meabnais Homer. 





94. rpeóllca. MS85. gen. póóalca : see 16, swpra. 
IO5. cóÓnoa, sic A, other copies cóncap. 
II8. This line is probably corrupt ; either cam or namnn in nannaib mu-t be 


XXII. | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 128 


IOO0 


IIO 


In stone-casting, in dancing, and in runnine, 

In riding on horses, strong and not treacherous; 

In taking up the nine of the race on roads, 

And in throwing the javelin in battle with great power. 


When our hero was baptised as a child, 

Mars bestowed upon him a spear for the fight; 
He gave him a pike, a sword, and a satin scarf ; 
And Diana gave him a ring of gold. 


Jupiter gave him a sut of satin, 

YVirtue, steadfastness, heroism, and valour ; 
Venus bestowed on him great gualities, 
Beauty, loveliness, and youth. 


Pan gave him a staíf, and string; 

Bacchus gave him leave to dnnk ; 

YVulcan gave him skill in workmanship, and power, 
A martaal forge for arms for the fight. 


Aoibhill gave him rents in his hand; 

Juno gave him fame in addition thereto ; 

Neptune gave him a ship under sail, 

In which every great chieftain voyaged across the main. 


In wisdom he was “: Solomon so/ws” ; 

In poetry he could guestaon Owid ; 

In strength Samson yielded to him, 

By it he overthrew in battle the great giants. 


In philosophy he was firm as Scotus, 
In sentences which had no flaw in their burthens; 
In language, in speech, and in knowledge, 


I20o And in feats of verse, he realised Homer. 


pronounced as in Connaught. A variant is 


no pnanacaé saan cam ma comao4aib, 


and even some of those MSS. which give the line as in the text have comaoab ; 
cÓog41D, dat. pl. from cÓo or cóip. 


124 


130 


I40 


oánNc4a gaoohaaúin uí nachalilLe. [xxn. 


Tionuan a ace ao mnail 'ran b-pósman, 
óan ceól cláinríáe, Páió ná eólaa, 

ógn Pleaó, san Ppíon, san buióean, aan cóipn, 
ógn paoil éisre cléin ná óno ann. 


Tan a m-bíoó sapnaó ceanbae cómpoclac, 
Fíonca peaimpinae a n-eapsanaib ónóa, 

Laocnaó smpae ar buóean meanmnac moóiman, 
Rinace ain hallaíb c' acan le ceólcaib. 


Tan a m-bíoó éisre cléin ir seócaa, 

Tan a m-bíoó oáim ir báino na cóiae, 

4 Ríoá-bnpoa c” aéan coir óleannamuin €osanaóc, 
To praíor pao mainpeao paoi leacab mo leosan. 


Cn aacme maoióim nán élaoióce ón a-comhnac, 
Ca aepir snínn sac líne neomaimn-ne, 

C prcanóoib ógaoióoilae ain saoir na leosan, 
Clanna baoipane nip Soill mc lilónna. 


Uuan-cneaóé leanb ná capcan le pónra, 

Óo luas as mméeaócc paoi leacaib ain peócao, 
óuair cné raneaoaio agc ealca ao oeónaóc, 

O bnuacab Wlamae ao prlearab Cbann Tóinpe. 





I25. For the company that freguented great houses, and the pastimes indulged 


in, cf. :— 


buíóne oon onuna pin aa comap nna 
(6 seannaó ruáe 'T as imnrnxc paeól pruile 
(5 ceacc can ániomanóab Pmn ir món-Cuinn 
Cloinne baoipane 3r 3oi11 mc lHonna. i 
buiíóne ceanbac malancac m-beó-pPoclaeé 
bíoió ann maioin san raice iompa aóc póinre 
Rinace an áaoanaa as acme on cóip pin 
Rinace an ólaómn oo ólae aac ónouin 
Rinsce cneapaé ne malancab ceólca 
1r mnace pasa ne nacaineaóc óa-ban. 
Elegvw on O' Keeffe. 


BE SE IE SIE ama AE SS os a —- 


Scoiani | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 125 


Alas his dwellines Ionely in the Autumn ! 

Without the music of the harp, without seers, or the learned! 

Without a banguet, without wine, without company, without a 
festive gathering ! 

Without meetings of learned men, of bards, or of divines. 


Where there used to be a multitude of chattering gamblers, 
Abundant wines in golden goblets, 

Champion warriors, and a high-spirited, courteous band, 
And dances to music in thy father's halls. 


Where the learned, the clergy, and strollers were wont to be; 
io Where the poets and bards of the province used to be; 
In the princely mansion of thy father beside Glanworth o£f the 
Eoghanacht, 
My woe while I live that my hero lies beneath a stone ! 


The company 1 have mentioned, unconguered in the fight, 

Rehearsing witty compositions on every generation that preceded 
us, 

Telling Gaelic tales about the wisdom of the heroes, 

Clan Baoiscne, and Goll mac Morna. 


O dire ruin of children, which is not restored by fíorce, 

Going early under the stone to decay ! 

It is a trouble which makes every multitude scream tearfully, 
i4o From the borders of the Maine, to the sides of the Great River. 





I3I[. Oleannamuin — óleannabun, Glanworth of the Eoghanacht : cf. 
ێosanacc Slennabnac in 44is/ing Meic Conglinne. In 175 infra we haywe 
Oleannmuin rhyming with acóumaóc ; the word is understood — Glanworth by 
the metrical translator. O'Brien's Dictionary gives ó6leannamain - Glanwokth, 
and Joyce, Irish Names of Places, wol. 1., p. 445, derives it from aoleann iubaimn, 
but both derivations seem incorrect; for €Cosanaóc some MS88. have óinneac, 
others Óimeac. Glanworth is only two miles from the Blackwater. 

I34. One or two MSS. have sanínn an sac. 

137. Uuan-éneac. Monday was supposed to be an unlucky day; thus, 
beanna an luan, a cutting of one”s hair on Monday, was inauspicious; also 
the Day of Judgment is called lá an lugmm ; hence luan-óneac - utter ruin. 


126 oúNca gaoohaaúiN uí nachalilLe. [xxn. 


Thonuan a cumplacc bnúisce bneóióce, 
éascóin 5411 ao ceann oá nó-romop, 

i San preió corna agn poroa san cóinla, 
(cc 4pc IT é a b-pao ón a-comaan. 


baó éóu a o-c1seanna a o-cniaé 'T a s-cómóalca, 
baó óu a m-beaóda a o-caipae T a lócnann, 

Daó éóu a meíóin a naneíóinn T a n-eólarp. 

4 a-cú luns a n-unpa 'T a món-luoc. 


Opnaó cléib nip péin oo nócain, 

150 4 boc, a bláés, a raáe T a h-óige, 
Oian-snáó Síle rínce a a-comnaimn, 
(loóa ir Cunc T a maineann beó aca. 


baile Uí Saupe ní paoumneann oá oeónaib, 
Cn Cillín iona m-bíoó cunnaíóe as plóiacib, 
Cá an Oianac as oian-sol san nó-Top; 

'S an Ssaincín ní paillíséeac pósaine. 


Cá Onom Oueóais agn unpa ná món-plaé, 

Cr €eacluóe ao raíorpman bnónac, 

Cnoc na Cannase a s-cneaócib le bneóiácegaoc, 
I6o Cr Rás scpaioia ao las-bníosae cóinpeac. 


(4 n-Uíb ULaosaine oo paéis an món-sol, 

Crp Uíb PFionluaó ao buaóanéóa bnónac, 

(I s-Cannaa na Connpa oo éáoileaoan plóióce, 
bDpaonaóa pola amp a norscb as cómh. 


Oo &oil an Uaoi cní mhí so bhónac. 

Oo soil an s-Síonaimn an Uipe 'r an Cnómpeac, 
Cn lilaima 'T an Flears, Ceann Wapa ip. Cóme, 
Cn Péil an Oaoil 'p an Dníoeac món Poim. 








Is3-16o. The places mentioned in these lines are all in the neighbourhood of 
Killarney. 

Ii6I—3. Iveleary of course wept; Iwe Fionluadh isin Muskery. At Carrig na 
Corra was the largest of O'Leary 's castles. 

I66. 'The Croinseach is again referred toin XXXV. 





 —Ii—m——— 


sosa] THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 127 


I50 


I6O 


Alas ! for his people, crushed, and af-ilicted, 

'The injustice of the English forcibly despoiling them, 
Without a shield of defence, without a pillar, without a door, 
Except Art who is far away from them. 


Thou went their Iord, their ruler, and their foster-brother, 
Thou we:t their hfe, their treasure, their torch, 

Thou wert their pleasure, their love, their knowledge, 
Their tracking-hound, their prop, their great store. 


H is a heart-groan and pain to thy consort : 

Her shieling, her bloom, her protection, her youth, 

The fond love of Julia, stretched in a cofúin! 

And of Aodh and of Ant and of all of them that survive. 


Baile Ui Sguiré does not cease from her tears, 

And Killeen, where there were casks for multitudes; 
The Dianach is bitterly weeping without, cessation ; 
And Sgarteen is not neglectful in proclaiming his loss. 


Dromduthaig is without a prop or a great chieftain, 
And Achalee is in woe and anguish ; 

Cnoc na Carraige is tremhling through affliction; 

And Ratheaisge is deprived of strength and sorrowful. 


In Iveleary great weeping overflowed ; 

And Ive Fionluadh was doleful and sorrowful ; 
At Carraig na Corra multitudes wept, 

Drops of blood running down from their eyes. 


The Lee wept three months sorrowfully ; 

The Shannon, the Liffey, and the Croinseach wept ; 
The Maine, the Flesk, the Kenmare River, and Toime 
The Feale, the Deal, and the great Bride in the east. 


I67—8. Ceann Mara, the Kenmare River. There are two rivers ealled Bride in 
Co. Cork. “The one flows into the Lee on the south side, and through the Bog of 
Kilcrea : on it are the castles of Kilcrea, Castlemore, Clodagh ; the other flows 
into the Blackwater north of Tallow. 


128 odáNca gaoohaaúáiN uí nachalille. [xxn. 


(In Ruaccac as puan-áol ao bnónac, 
I70 'S an Claooaó as séimnia “na cóim-búin, 
Cn Cianann 50 oiamhan so món-muin, 
On Cánéac eicíollaec beice asur Snón-pnué. 


(boinn Oaluaó pan Cuanac ónóóa, 

9 an c-Siúin o'Pás cúnpra oo éómóun, 

On óleannnuin ao h-aóoúmac, "par cóin or, 
ds húimna T as búiéma “na óeónia ph. 


Cá Oá Cíoc Oanann 'pr an Capn ag eóim-sol, 
'S an Sluab Riabac a b-piancaib mópa, 
Fionnpaos ao nímneac oá Pósanse, 

18o Oo Píoó-bnosab bnmóne na n-Cosanaóoc. 


5o1 na m-baipnfíonn ó Seanaro so bócna, 

(1 ólor níon óeacain ó Pleapaib na s-cón-ónoc, 
Ccá Cipe “na ríó-bnoa ao oeónac, 

dp Coibill ao paíopman "na cóioib. 


Oo soil aanain ain éalaó na Dóinne, 

0 m-Dun Raice oo psneaoaoan ceólsca, 
Dnuiaean lllaiae Seanuib a a-cneasaib ao oeónac 
bnus Rís so oubac cníoc 'p an PFeóin Fíop. 


4 a-cníocaab Connaec níon prsuineaó oon món-asol, 
190 (1 s-cníocaab Uonáean baó éeinn man paeól cu, 

(LL a-cníocab IWluman, pá pmúio ao” Fósuinc, 

04 Wa Raecan coir ólaipleann “p a n-eócaitk th. 








I7Oo. Claodach, a river flowing south of the Paps, eastward through a village of 
the same name, and emptying itself into the Blackwater. 

I71. Cianann. One M8. has Cianóun, another Cuinean, &e. “The 
metrical translator understands Carane in West Kerry. For oiaman a. variant is 
oiaimnéac. 

I72. Carthach, a river in West Kerry, now Caragh: the Beithe is the 
Glenbeigh River in West Kerry: the Shrone Stream has its source in a hill of that 
name east of the Paps. 

I73. Abainn Daluadh joins the Allo near Kanturk. "The Cuanach is mentioned 
alsoin XXVI.; it seems to bein West Limerick. 

I7s. The Gleannmhuir is probably the Funcheon which is near Glanwosth. 


ITT.)| THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 129 


The Roughty coldly weeps in sorrow, 

I17o And the Claodach screaming with responsive shout, 
The Carane running darkly to the great sea, 
The fitful Carthach, the Beithe, and the Shrone stream. 


The river Daluadh and the valiant Cuanach, 
And the Suir, which ceased to follow its course, 
The Glanworth in great sorrow, and it is due, 
Screaming and crying for his loss. 


The Two Paps ot Dana and Corran weep in unison ; 
And Shabh Riabhac is in great trouble ; 
Fionnsgoth in distress proclaims his loss 
I18o To the fairy dwellings of the Bruighin of the Eoghanachts. 


'The cryine of the fairy maidens, from Shanaid to sea, 

Was not difficult to hear from the sides of the stately hills; 
Aoife is tearful in her fairy dwelling ; 

And Aoibhill is sorrowf£ul in her strains. 


A maiden wept on the harbour of the Boyne ; 

At Bunratty did they make a melodious complaint ; 

The fairy palace of Magh SBeanaibh is trembling and in tears ; 
Bruree is doleful for thee, and the Nore in the north. 


In the regions of Connaught, there was no rest írom great 
weeping ; 
Igo [nm the regions of Leinster, thy loss was sore tidings ; 
In the regions of Munster, wrapped in mist proclaiming thy 
death, 
At Magh Bathan, beside Glaisleann and at Youghal. 








177. Cam, a hill in the Kenmare Range, about 2000 feet high. 

I78. Sliabh Riabhach, a hill in Co. Limerick. 

I79. Fionnsgoth, a. hill in West Kerry, mentioned again in XXXV., which I 
eannot identity. 

ISI. na m-bainPiíonn; often na m-ban m-bainnpiíonn; the fairy 
maidens are alluded to. 

I84. CÓ191b — cóodanb ; dat. pl. of cóo or cóip. 

I87. Seanuib or Seanaib, se gen.in MS8. Peter O'Connell has correeted 
MS. in some places to Sanbó, which Keating gives: probably the same fairy 
mansion is meant here asin V. 4. 


VOL. HI. K 


180 


200 


21IO 


oáNc4a aoohaaúin uí nachaille. [xxn. 


Caoimpao THuimma a b-píon-óol bnpóim 6u, 

Ó Inir Fínn ao Rís-éeae Nóipe, 

Ó bpuac uipae na Síonaimne peólca, 

óo léim Con oube 'p ao Daoi na món-m-banpc. 


Caoipao mná oo bárp ao oeónac, 
Caoimpiao leinb ná nuagó ao món 6óu, 
Caoimpiao éisrpre cléin im óino 6u, 

lr caoimnpeao péin ao n-euapao leó éóu. 


Omboc! a mancas min éalma cnóóa, 

(Tn cocc cné naoaro mo óeanca-pa oeóna, 
Oc ! a maimnb san aipíog ao oeó anoip, 

(I o-cneó na n-anaol lec” anam oon álóine. 


aN preanc-Ldao!1o. 


([cá caac ainn na mapacib 'Tr can Plébab oúba, 

lr cá oian-Peana cian ain na ppéanócib éusainn, 
Cá suaoan ip rmanpa na n-eun ao ciúin, 

Ó emallaip a Oíanmuno Uí Uaosaine a n-úin. 


Cá an cs-anéóan ao oiaónac ag oeunain cuma, 

Cá an aman áéeal ag uoian-éol 'T an nae paoi pmúio, 
(tí n-oiná an cuncaió éiallmain oob” éaócac clú, 
Oianmuo, an cmiaé-up?a, iT leun, a n-úin. 


4 leac pm paoi oo. pníoim na péinne púrcs 
Cairpre neo”' com ir prmaoin sun Phoenix clúmul 
Oo Pleaccab Íee bile ip Tic Con búio, 
Ir sun napadá cní níosaéca paoi áeille an cpmiún. 





Ig4. Rióóeac Nóine - Tivora, near Dingle. 

Io6. Léam Con ouibe - Cuchulainn"s Leap or Loop Head in Clare; 
baon - Bantry Bay. 

204. 5lóÓine is used as nom. in spoken language. 


XXII. ] THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 181 


Munstermen will lament thee in the genuine cry of sorrow, 
From Inisbofin to the Royal House of Moire, 

From the marge of the waterg of Shannon of the sails, 

To Leim Conduibhe and to Baoi of the great ships. 


Women will lament thy death in tears ; 

Children unborn will lament thee greatly; 

The learned, the bards, and the clergy will lament thee ; 
s;oo And I myselt will lament thee with them until I die. 


Alas! thou f£leet, strong, brave horseman ! 

'The grief that makes my eyes to pour Íorth tears ! 
Alas! thou dead, without restoration now for ever, 
May thy soul enter into glory among the angels. 


THE EPITAPH. 


There is a mist on rough meads, and black mountains, 
And the heaveéns are long in fierce rage against us; 
'The song and rapture of the birds are hushe4d ; 

Since thou, O Diarmuid O'Leary, didst go to the grave. 


'The West is sadly makine its moan, 

2ío The bright sun is bitterly weeping, and the moon is veiled in mist, 
For the wise champion, whose fame was wonderful, 
Diarmuid, the lordly prop, who, alas ! is in the grave. 


O stone, there is a noble of the race of the warriors beneath 
thee; 

Treasure him within thy breast and remember that he is a 
renowned Phoenix 

Of the race of Ith, of Bile, and of Mac Cu the gentle, 

And that these three bound three kingdoms beneath their 
obedience. 

K2 


132 


220 


IO 


odáNca daoohaaúiN uí RachdalúLe.  —[xxm. 


Gn spear oo níomaim oíob pin oob'” éaccaó ponn, 

4 s-caé an lilúise oíosailec óus cin laoéna Tuman, 
Cn: mac Cumn claoióce cuin cnaocsa a n-úin, 

0 b-plasearp nís cníoéao na oóéig Ilac Cú. 


Flaré ir pníom oíneac oá nséasaib púo, 

Oá nsealannaib pín-óílpe ir oá a-caolae ún, 
Ceap uo Píol nísée puain ném nr clú, 

Cais a líos paoio” claab, 'r ir méala óúinn. 


point: 
g1R Dás uillaam asúu. 


Cnéaop an cic pro a n-iaógib éimonn, 
Cnéao an prmúic pro ain óúóoup éibm, 
Cnéao an bnón po ain Sálónóaib éanlaó, 
Cnéao an peana ro connaa na ppéanósa. 


Cnéao an cooc pro ain Trsolscub éispre, 

Cnéao cné s-crniéeann an c-Síonaimn “Tr an Féile, 
Cnéao cné rsneaoann an painnae ónéanman, 
Cnéao an noccdaó-po ain miollaib Sléibe Nig. 


Cnéao éóug clan san man a nséibíionn, 

Ir uaiple a nalapaib le prealao san paonaó, 
Dnáispe a a-cumananac, úino ip cléima, 
Cunaóe, páióe, air báino san béile. 





217. Lughaidh, called Mac Con, the son of Mac Niad, was of the race of Ith, 
brother of Bile, and son of Breogan, and hence was not a Milesian. At the Battle 
of Magh Mucruimhe he overthrew his uncle Art, son of Conn of the hundred 
fights, and reigned as chief monarch in his stead. “The poet says he reigned thirty 
years, and in this he agrees with Keating and others. “The O'Learys were 


wxErFr. | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 133 


220 


The third of these [I name, wonderful was his ardour 

In the battle of Muigh he took vengeanee on the warriors of 
Munster, 

He sent Art, son of Conn, vanguished to the grare, 

While Mac Cu reigned thirty years after him in the realm as 
a king. 


A prince and a direct offshoot from their branches, 

Oí their true and proper families, and of their noble breasts ; 
Head of the seed of kings who obtained sway and fame, 

A treasure, O stone, beneath thy breast,—and a sore loss to us! 


XXIII. 
ON THE DEATH OF WILLIAM GOULD. 


What woe is this in the land of Erin ? 

What mist is this on the country o£f Eabhear ? 
What sorrow is this in the songs of the birds? 
What rage is it, that has disturbed the heavens ? 


What fit is this on the assemblhies of the bards ? 
What makes the Shannon and the Feale tremble ? 
What causes the mighty ocean to roar wildly ? 

What is this despoiling on the borders of Sliabh Mis? 


What has brought the poets to dateless durance, 
And nobles to dungeons long without release ? 
The friars to straits, the clergy, and the learned, 
Heroes, seers, and bards without a meal ? 





descended from Ith, and hence the superiority claimed for them by the poet over 
the descendants of Conaire, Olioll, and Eoghan, who were from Milesius. 

222. cgaolac, “the ribs,” hence the breast : it is used here in the same way as we 
use Joins in English. 


134 oáNc4a gdoohaasúáiN uí nRachailte. [xxiv. 


Cúip a n-oeóna, pseól ip céapoa, 
Lhluam seal óúl oo énú na paon-pPlaie, 
Coinnleóin óin ir lócnann laocnaió, 
O'éas a Nancr, ir cneac oo Saoóalaib. 


Dnonncóin eac 3p bpas :iT éaona, 

Dnonncóin óin ao león aan aon ooic, 

Dnonncóil píooda i3T Píonsa ipPÍ anéisne, 
20 Dnonncóin ainaio ir anm ain laocaib. 


XXLV. 
90 OONNCha40 ud h-íc1íoe. 


Sémn-Pean procain, ponupca, píon-caom, paon, 

Oon cpneib o'peóinéeap saó oéóan ó óolam na b-pianca naeun; 
(lon ir corpmuil le Solam a nolse níosacs Oé 

Slé-mean bonb-nine Oonnchaó Ua h-Ícióe an cé. 


Cúir oon b-pean oo Fleaocab Dmaim san óáim, 
Usoan sneansa agapoa ciallman cáiíó, 

On cún ó Cap nán car so thaé ain lán, 

Cnú na b-plais nán éeanc oo nianaó oáim. 


Chn lán ór píon so prínpaíom uile eum báip, 

Io (Í andáó mo cnoróe óuic Pponíobaimm ao h-oilce mo náó, 
Ná pránua nao!: le olíse oo Pníosal san áino, 
Oan lám mo éoimm cá níó nán óuaip le pasáil. 


XXIV.—The three pieces eollected under XXIV. are addressed to Donogh 
O'Hickey, on the oceasion of his leaving Limerick, for England, to avoid 
“é Abpribasion ”” oaths, in October 1709, and are taken from a MS. copy of 
Keating's History by Dermot O'Connor (23, G. 3), dated 1715. O'Connor is the 
much abused translator of “ Keating.” It would seem that O'Hickexy fled rather 
than swear away the lives of some persons who had violated the penal laws of 
the time; though “abpiuibasion ” may be for ““abjuration.”” 


2. The O'Hickeys, as their name implies, were famous for their skill in medicine. 

5-8. Syntax not clear. usodan and so haé an lán seem to refer to Brian as 
well as cún. Brian was old at the Battle of Clontarf. mnán cap s “who did not 
return /f?royn óatitle.? 


gTY.I| THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 135 


20 


IO 


The cause o£ their tears—harassing is the tale— 

Is that William Gould the fair, of the blood of noble chieftains, 
The golden eandlestick, the torchlight of heroes, 

Died at Nantes—it is ruin to the Gaels. 


A bestower of steeds and cloaks and clothes, 

A bestower o£ gold in abundance, without stint, 
A bestower of silks and wines and jewels, 

A bestower ofÍ silver and arms upon warriors. 


ISE, 
TO DONOGH O'HICKEY. 


A man, gentle, of easy manner, sedate, truly mild, and noble, 

Of the clan that relieved each diseased one from the grief of sharp 
pains, 

One like Solomon, versed in the law of the kingdom of God, 

Blithe and active, proud in his strength, Donogh O'Hickey is he. 


The man had his origin from the faultless race of Brian, 

An author, beautaful, skilful, of sound judement, modest, 

A chief, sprung from Cas, who did not come back, falling in his 
old age, 

Oí the blood of chieftains who dispensed to the poets without 
stint, 


Since it is true that we shall all he down to die, 
O beloved of my heart, [ write learnedly tor thee my maxim, 
Do not injure anyone in law íorthe sake of a dishonourable word. 
I pledge my heart that thou wilt obtain a thing thou know”st 
not of. 


I2. lám, gen. laimne — “surety, pledge, guarantee.” ban laim forms a common 


part of various forms of asseveration. ““ One o£ the greatest protestations that 
they think they can make, and what they hold an oath very sacred amongst them, 
and by no means to be violated, is dar lawve no Aardis Criste, “by my gossip's 
hand.'” DDineley's 7ovwr in Treiand., 


136 oúNcda gaoohaaúáin uí nachalilLe. [xsr. 


'Pasál pin asao, man óuiaim, ó Rís na nanór; 

g n-áic nán óusuip na míonna le oíTle o'áno, 

beió cáince éíocpar ó Plioócaib oá maoióeam oo ándó, 
Sun cndáibeeac cunasa éóupa oo Fíon a nadábgao. 





'Sé Oonnchaó péin can óeuo aip mín áluinn, 
Doroa oon oeléin in o'éismr éaoin Óláin Cuinc, 
Ollam na néa a as-céill 'r a. s-caoim-eáinoib 
xo Clumaó poinceil na b-paon ir aon oon píon-áno-Él, 


seNealach uí íc1oe. 
óéum ooNNÓ4Ó0d4 uí íciíóe. 


Cl éumaimnn $loim oo'n Pimnimn min lé a a-claoiócíóe cáin, 
NHán 5” unnamac oo óume ain bié a b-píon-óníom láim, 
Oo b” unur oom a b-punm 6inc 3T oínióe oán, 
Geinealac oo óine-n oo Poníobaóo príop oáib. 


oOH bó-prean cegaoNga. 
48 ceióeaó nom móioib “ (bpmbaraon.” 


Cpéis oo éalam ouecóaip, 

Oéin ain eoiroe Uunooim, 

(6 reacainc móioe an amaain 
Oo cun oo éin pá bnpón. 


Cum oo oócap coimpeac 
3o 0 s-Cnmopo oo éióeanna oílir, 
Ná cabai an beaéóa an c-paoiái po 
Cn c-paoonnuiáeaóc cá ao” comaoin. 





I4. The ““ Abpribasion ” oaths perhaps — the abjuration oaths. 


IT .| THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 137 


20 


39 


This thou wilt obtain, as [ understand, from the King of Graces, 

Because thou hast not sworn in public in order to injure ; 

Generations to come from living families will be constantly pro- 
claiming 

That thou wert ever steadfast and charitable in need. 


The gentle Donogh is meek, and lovely beyond a hundred ; 

A prop to the bards, and to the noble learned, of the plain of 
Corc, 

'The Ollamh of kings, in wisdom, and noble fnendship, 

'The strong support of the weak, and one of the true high blood. 


THE GENEALOGY OF O'HICKEY. 
TO DONOGH O'HICKEY. 


O pure friend, of the nimble race who were wont to subdue 
hosts, 

Who acknowledeed no superior in true feats of manual skill, 

It were easy fíor me in exact Íorm, and in verse of most accurate 
metre, 

To write down for thy race their genealogy. 


TO THE SAME. 


WHEN ESCAPING FROM ““APPROBATION ?”' oATHS. 


Out thy native land, 
Approach the London jury, 
To shun the oath of trouble 
That has brought sorrow on thy country. 


Put thy delhiberate hope 
In Christ, thy beloved Lord, 
Do not give for this mortal life 
The eternity that is in store for thee. 





21—24. This stansa is followed in M8. by a pedigree of Donogh O0'Hickey. 


138 oáNca gaoohaaáiN uí nachailLe. [xxv. 


Fillpaó Oia oo óíbinc 

Can éir sac íompóó cíne, 

lr leacpaió pe oo naimoe 
Oo euin cu gap oo cóin. 


A£ 


GH Cc4N CúIN18 GN DRIONNS4 SéanRLUus sCcÍOÚARC 
50 h-aubaiN. 


Tr mac oo Tilapr an mac po a n-(tlbain uoino, 
Tr pean ar peanna ain Peanann cneapaunóa an c-Tluará, 
Macs ip clans ar slan an bSallab so m-bumóió, 
Rae sac caé oon b-pPlaie ao leanaió ao buan. 


óar ar pnar a o-cnearaib calma cnugaóa, 

Oo s&lac "na $laic an ceanc oo Peapaim san ou4d0 ; 
d Ceap na b-peanc ir Aéain banéóap Fuar, 

Ór ceanc a éeanc “na céeanc ao o-ca84c10 ao luaó. 





XXVY.— This poem bears date in the MS. 1745. Still, as such title dates are 
often wrong, it is, I think, probable that it refers to the rebellion of 1715, in spite 
of the name Charles in the title, and is perhaps the work of O'RBahilly, though 
that inference is not clear from the MS. itself. It was replied to by the Rev. 
Conchubhar O'Brien. “The last verse of his reply is interesting— 


Thná bnaeaoan na h-((1bagn san oúil “na báp 
Canolurp oo Saspronaib ain éonnaóo an Tcáis, 
Tnaieió-rpe ar maiéim-pe an cúip Tin oáib, 

óÓ ólacaoan so ceanarmuil an b-pniíonn?a a n-áic. 





xgY4| THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 139 


God will restore thee from banishment 
After thou hast gone round every land, 
And will entomb thy enemies 

Who put thee írom thy right. 


A& ANY, 


WHEN PRINCE CHARLES STEWART CAME TO 
SCOTLAND. 


Heisa son of Mars, this son in high Alba; 

He is the man who is best in the host-overthrowing plain ; 

May he win Macs, and Clans, and a complete triumph over the 
Íoreigners ; 

May enduring success attend the chieftain in each battle. 


A youne shoot who is ready in bold stern fights, 

Who took in hand to stand for the right without hardship ; 
O Prince of Miracles, and Father of heaven above, 

Since his right is right unto his right may he soon come. 


“Though the Scotch, without desiring his death, betrayed 
Charles to the English, upon an agreement of the state, 
Forgave ye, and I will forgive them this deed, 

Since they have accepted lovingly our Prince in his stead.” 


140 oúánNca gaoohasdái uí nachalLle. [xxvi. 


IO 
G4IR Dás sedanailc TIC RTIOIRe AN óuleaNNa. 


Cnéao é an claóc ro an éeannab éimonn ? 
Cnéao oo beó-snumá pnóó na snéine ? 

(cc Ríá-Plars oo bníom na nónéasac;, 

0 a-clúio 'ran b-peanc san bneab ná éipeaoc. 


Seabac TRuman, cunaó laocanrp, 
Seabac óleanna, mac na péile, 

Seabac Sionann, Opaan euóccac, 
Seabac TIluimneac Inre Péióolm. 


Phenix cnoióe-óeal, mín a séasa, 
IO Phenix mnpe, sgoir baó énéiseac, 
Phenix Uiée asup Uipe mo méala, 
Phemnix beóóa, cnóóa, caomneanc. 


Péanla baile na IWancna méiee, 
Déanla Cluana, puaim-oneac snéáeal, 
Péanla Siúipe nip clú b-pean n-Éimonn, 
Déanla Uummmá :ip Pinnne-bnpeac Féile. 


Ruine oidóa ciallman cnéiseac, 

Ruine neaccman, peapac, péacsa, 

Ruine an” colsaib sonma caola, 
20 Ruine saipae na Danba cnéine. 





XXVI.—The first twelve guatrains of this elegy taken from a scribbling-book 
dated 1781, and belonging to Michael og O'Longan, were already in type when 
the entire poem was discovered in a MS. in the King's Inns Library. The subject 
of this poem appears to have died before 1700. See Burke's ““Landed Gentry,”” 
sub nomine fYifsgerald, where no Gerald son of Thomas is mentioned, save a knight 
of Glin, who made a deed of settlement of his estate in 1672. "The knights of 
Glin were great favourites of the bards. MIt is probable that XXVI. and XXIV. 


ms 


ms 


xxvI. | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 


XXVI. 


141 


ON THE DEATH OF GERALD, SON OF THE KNIGHT OF 


GLIN. 


What garb of grief is this over the headlands of Erin? 
What, has deformed the living features of the sun ? 


What but that the kingly prince of the stock of the Grecians, 


Is covered in the tomb without, life or vigour ? 


Warrior of Munster, hero in valour, 

Warrior of Glin, son of hospitality, 

Warrior of the Shannon, Osgar of wondrous feats, 
Munster s warrior oí the Island ot Feidhlim. 


Phoenix of the bright heart, of the smooth limbs; 
Phcenis, playful, wise, virtuous ; 

Phceenix, prosperous and accomplished; 

Pheenix, sprightly, valiant, and stalwart. 


Pearl of the townland of the fat beeves, 

Pearl of Cloyne, of sober countenance, of bright aspect, 
Pearl of the Suir, and glory of the men of Erin, 

Pearl of Limerick, and fair trout of the Feale. 


Knight, pious, wise, virtuous 3; 
Knight, a lawgalver, learned and brave; 
Knight of the slender blue swords; 


;o Knight of valour, of the brave land o£t Banba. 





were written about the same time (1709), as they arethe only pieces in this 
collection on subjects connected with Limerick. 


deformed the living features,” lit. “what has live-deformed,? 
Geraldines are said to be of Greek descent. 7. ionann. MS. puinna. 


stansa. II. L1ó6e, | cannot identify this river. 


2. oo beó-ónuis from beó, and anurnn, a scearor notch; translate “ what has 
3. The 
3 


8. There must be some corruption ; TWumamn and TWuimneac occur in same 


142 


39 


49 


5o 


oúNc4 aoohaaáinN uí nRachalilLe. 


Oiap oon ónméneaócc san cosal san claonaó, 
Cnoioóe lúinéeiá éínn úino a ógaolca, 

Éroe pláca ain ódáó san naobaó, 

Oá n-oíon an ánuam, ain buaine, ain baosaoal. 


Coimmol eól, nór na h-éipnonn, 
Coimmol eóluri, lócnann paon-plais, 
Capún ciana, anan an lae áil, 
Capún clúmail, cnú mc laocaip. 


Fíonúin álumn, bláe na péinne, 
Fíonúin cime na b-píonna-mac laoóunp, 
Fíonúin occa na a-Conallac péasac, 
Fíonúin Calunne, apna na laocnaó. 


Rór nán reimna sun Feis a n-éasaib, 
Rór na leóaan, comet ppéine, 

Rór na Ríosnaó oob'” aoine a n-Éinmn, 
Rór na oáime 3 praáé na cléine. 


Naprania Conallac uile san aon locc, 
Napama an óleanna oá éan ip oaon-soin, 
Napsama an Oaman, ní beancaimm-pe bnéasa, 
MHapanaad copnain a bpocain a énéaoa,. 


Seanalc mac Comáip leannán béiée, 
Duinne nabancsa mana na m-béimionn, 
Sáis chí Ríosacca as lúise aan éipeaóc, 
Oo bpir Ócpopp rnáiée a Paosail. 


To nuan coim mo míle seun-áóoin, 

Dáir so ian, mo pían an cé peo, 
([enuaó bnónm nIp oeóin a n-aonpeaóc, 
óeanalc san pneab pá leacaib cnaoóoca. 


48 reo plannoa óalloa Saoóbalac, 

Ceann oualac nán sánuamóa caooac, 

Ceann ba ceannpa, meabai éum néina, 
Ceann nán amaic neac maoina an” peueaince. 


22. This line is by no means clear. 


[xxwn. 


xx VI. | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 


39 


49 


An ear of wheat without husk or bending ; 

Heart of mail for the leader of his kinsmen, 

A coat of unbroken armour for the rest, 

To guard them from grief, from trouble and danger. 


Candle of guidance, rose of Erin, 

Candle of guidance, torch of noble chieftains; 
Wax taper, sun of the bright day; 

Hllustrious taper, blood of the strength oí bravery. 


Vinetree, comely, flower of warriors, 

Vinetree of the race of fair sons of valour, 
Vinetree, a breast-plate of Connello of the jewels; 
Vinetree o£f Callan, rib of heroes. 


Rose which shrivelled not till it shrivelled in death, 
Rose of heroes, comet, of the heawens.— 

Rose of the kings, the highest in Erin,— 

Rose of the poets and shelter of the bards. 


Rallying chief of all Connello, without fault,— 
Rallying chief of Glin—a sore wound to his friends; 
Rallying chief of Dingle,—ÍI utter not, lies — 
Rallying chief of defence along with his lock. 


Gerald, son of Thomas, beloved of women, 
Flood-tide wave of the sea of blows, 


The beloved of three kingdoms lying without vigour ! 


Atropos has snapped the thread oí his hfe! 


My sorrow of heart, my thousand sharp woundings 
My intense agony, my pain is he, 

Renewal of weeping and of sorrow at once, 
Gerald, lifeless, prostrate beneath a stone! 


Here is a foreign and a Gaelic gcion, 


A head of fair locks, who was not, morose or stubborn, 


A head that, was gentle, a brain to make peace, 
A head that beheld none wretched in his sight. 


145 


144 


6o 


79 


8o 


oáNc4a aoohasúin uí nRachaille, 


4 puira ba áonm man óonm na ppéine, 
4 eeansa mil ba míocain a o-céanma, 
4 paacla míne oo bí oéansa, 

'Sa bnaoise peanaga, ceansa, caola. 


4 láma ain anm ba óeacain a o-cnaoóaó, 
Uáma na n-oinbeance, coban le oaonnaóc, 
CC com man leosan a a-coimóleic laocaip, 
0 cnpoióe ba món “ra ólón ba álé-nine. 


Cia san moill oá ónuim oul o'éasaib 
Ceiópe oúile a húineacc o'aonoul, 
Ceaóa pola oá n-ooncaó so pPaobnaóo, 
lr mná pióe agac cníoe céapoa. 


(4 s-Caonnaáe "na óíleap caom-eeanc, 
Cíoc-bán áluinn as pPáprsgó oéana, 

Úna doipe Cluoóna, ir Oéinope, 

'Sa Síó beióbe TIleiob ag séan-áol. 

4 Síó Cnuacna ouansan ppéine, 

4 Síó bainne coir PFleapraa T ain Claooais, 
4 Sío Cuinc coip imill Léine, 

0 Síó Deiób na mílleac, aopoa. 


O'aomuis bean a éeanc ain Claonaluir, 
Thná Cuanaóa a m-buaióeanóaib céapsoa, 
4 o-Cas lllolasa oo raneaoaogp béiée, 
Thná loma ID coir Oaoile a n-aonpeaórc,. 


O'aomuis bean a éeanc 'pa ágaolca, 
(0 n-eocail 'pa Róirceaóa ogaona, 
4 o-Cnáis Lí 'T le caoib Loc Éinne, 
Coir Capáin "ra a-Cinedál m-béice. 


Cun clor cáira IT báir an Phenis, 

Cus Conn Cuoóna bíoósa6 baosalac, 

Oo t: Loc, Suin an” Puil preaóc laeee, 

'S an lilains san bnaon oá mí 'pí ané-pPliuó. 





66. cíoó-bán. MS. cíobán. 
72. mílleac, sic MS.; meaning uncertain; perhaps —- mínleac. 








xXVI. | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 


6o 


79 


8o 


His eyes were blue as the blue of heaven, 
His sweet tongue was mild in its words, 
His fine teeth were well fashioned, 

His eye-brows slender, proper, thin. 


His hands in arms 13t was hard to subdue, 
Hands of generous deeds, well of humanity, 
His waist as a lion s in the strife of valour, 
His heart was great, his voice elear and strong. 


Because he went unto death, without delay 

The four elements burst at once into tumult, 
Bhowers of blood were sharply spilled, 

And the fairy women of every district in torture. 


At Kenry in his own fair land, 

A white-breasted maiden pressine Íorth tears, 
Una, Aoife, Cliodhna, and Deirdre, 

And in Sidh Beidhbh Meadhbh batterly weeping. 


At Sidh Cruachna, a hum of sorrow in the heavens, 
At Sidh Bainne, beside the Flesk, and on Claodach, 
At Sidh Tuirce, beside the margin of Lein, 

At ancient Sidh Beidhbh, of the pastures (?). 


A woman confessed his merit in Claonghlais, 


The women of Cuanach were tormented with sorrow, 


At Timoleague women screamed, 


The women of [mokilly and beside the Deel together. 


A woman confessed his right and his Kinsfolk, 
At Youghal and in rich Roche-land, 

At Tralee and beside Lough Erne, 

On the marge of Casán and in Kinalmeaky. 


On hearing the tidines and the death of the Pheenis, 


Tonn Cliodhna gave a start of danger, 
Lough Gur was blood for seven days, 


145 


And the Maine without a drop for two months, though wet-faced. 





73. A district in West Limerick. 74. A barony in Co. Limerick. 


YVOL. III. 


146 


9o 


IOoO0 


FO 


odNc4a aoohaaúiM uí nachailLe. [xxw. 


O'páira an Unée a pnmóée paona, 
O"ompus man $sual pnuaó na snéine, 
Níon Pan mearp an óain “ná ain éaolac, 
Oo énéis Danba a canna “ra céile. 


Oo nuaimneaoan cuancsda na ppéine, 
Oo pcníocaoan píomr na néalcainn. 
Oo &áleóóaoan a a-clóó na h-éanlaié, 
Oo múeéaopan oúile oaonna. 


Ní b-puill raím ain mínleac maol-ónoc, 
Ní b-pPuil conaó ain éalaim aolbua, 

Ní b-puil ceól a m-beólaib éanlai, 

Oo balbaa cláinreac bláié-óeal éinionn. 


Oo b'é Seanalc canna na cléine, 

Goll! mean Ihónna a naeleó nán snaoógaó, 
Cúeulaimn na s-cleapr n-ionanaóo “óoéanam, 
Conall óulban ir Opraan na m-béimonn. 


Oo b'é an cúin reo púil ne h-éimimnn, 
Oo nao pí reanc ir sean a cléib oo, 
Oo éug rí páinc oo iT s5ndáó can céaoaib, 
Oo éugs Tí a rsím oá naoi 'r a h-aonca. 


Da beas man :íonandaó í oá oéanain, 

Ní naib níá o'Puail Ín ná éibm, 

Cuonó ná éeap ain peaó na h-Éinionn, 
Nán prsaasdó e$pío ó nínn ao maol-cnoia. 


(Um clor 16 “ra cníoc oon bé éálain, 

Oo pus TÍ eicm 3T rseinm a n-aonPeaóc, 
Oo óeanbasa an báb, noc o'pár a léiée, 
Go bnáe anír san luáe le céile. 


93. r5oím seems — “fortune, prospemty”: €c/f. infra, 104 and V. 5, paím 
onaoióeaósa. 
94. aolbac as an adj. seems — :' delightful.” 


xXVI. | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 


go 


The Lithe compressed her noble current, 
'The face of the sun turned to coal-black, 
Fruit remained not on oak, or on sapling, 
Banba abandoned her love and her spouse. 


'The depths of the sky grew red, 
The stars sank down, 

'The birds contended on boughs, 
Human elements were guenched. 


There is no prosperity on the pasture of bare hills, 
There is no produce on the beautatul land, 

There is no music in the mouths of bards, 

The fair-bloomine harp of Erin is silenced. 


Gerald was the beloved o£f the bards, 
A swift Goll, son of Morna, unsubdued in conflict, 
A Cuchulainn in performing wondrous feats, 


Ioo Conall Gulban and Osgar of the blows. 


This chief was the hope of Emm, 
She gave him her love and her heart s affection, 


She gave him Íriendship, and íondness beyond hundreds, 
She gave her prosperity and her consent to his complexion. 


Little wonder that she did so: 


There was not a prince of the blood of Ir or Eabhear, 


North or south throughout Emin, 


Who was not strained through him from head to bare foot. 


On the fair woman hearine; [th and his region, 


LIo She bounded and started all at once, 


The maiden swore, who grew grey; 
. Never again to he with a spouse. 





IOI. cúin. MS. cuan. 


147 


Io8. For raasaó, c/. XXIX. 33. Something seems to have dropped out 
between 108 and 109. 


; 2 


148 


I10 


130 


I40 


oáNc4a aoohaaúdiN uí nRachalilLe. [xxw. 


lr iomóa plaé oo éan an méinoneac, 

Fuaim a leaba “ra realb “pa caoim-áéólac, 
Fuan a nún "ra oúil “Pa h-aonca, 

Oo éuic oá copnaim a n-ooean-bnuio oaona. 


'Óa-óul an peócaó oo eéap me, 

(I n-uair línn a Pinnpean paonóa 

Sínce a b-peancs a s-claip pá béillac 

Caob ne sapae na nóeanalcac caoim-éólan. 


(ín can oo baiprceaó “na leanb an laoc po, 
Fíonúin níosacca Cuimn na gs-céao-eaés, 
Cug Mereurius nún a óléib oo, 

O'párra ré m1 ao cis 'na méanab,. 


Oo pinn Mars "na leanD laoc oe, 

Cug oo colg slan sonm nT éioe, 

Closao caoin oá óíon a nséibíonn 

Uúineac “na n-aice "sur, ceannag' na Féinne 


Fuam re ceall ó Óra na céille, 

Inncleaóoc, cuimne, míne, IT céaopaóo, 
THleabail, ir eóla?, beóóaoc, ir léiseancaóc, 
Suaimneagp, aisne, maipe, "sur péile. 


Puam ó Dan saó cpse b” Péioin, 

Scáinpe preiúnóa cúis cúise a n-aonPeaóc, 

Céin ao raiobin cum leiái a énéaoa, 

1r sgóaim oá a-copnaim ain óoéan na b-paolcon. 


Fun ré snaoi álan mín ó Venus, 
Cugs Yulcanus oo ceánoéa énaopac, 
Neptunus 6ug long oo ain paon-muin, 
(sur, Oceanus áneéac caop'aac. 


Tonuan cnoióe, mo míle céapa! 

óleann an Rioine as nileaó na n-oéana! 
óan onuie ceóil san alón bínn éanlae ! 
Oo éuc a naé a maié "ra néilceann ! 





II3. móéinoneac is Brin here; cf. 1. 7. II7. peócaó. MS8. peósouince. 


xXxvI. | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 


120 


130 


I40 


Many are the chieftains the vile woman loved, 

Who obtained her bed, her possession, and her fair hand, 
Who obtaine4d her love, her desire, and her consent, 

Who fell in her defence into the dire hardship of bondage. 


His early goine to deeay has tortured me, 

Into the narrow grave o£f his noble ancestors, 
Stretched in a tomb, in a pat, under a great stone, 
Beside the champions of the pure, noble Geraldines. 


When the hero was baptased as a child, 

The vine of the kingdom o£f Conn of the hundred fights, 
Mereury gave him the love of his heart, 

He pressed plenteous honey into his fingers. 


Mars made him a hero when a child, 

Gase him a pure, sharp sword and armour, 

A noble helmet to protect him in diffieulty, 

A coat of mail also, and the headship of the warriors. 


He got wisdom from the God of Wisdom, 
Intelligence, memory, refinement, and judement, 
Mind and knowledge, vivaeity and learning, 
Peace of soul, beauty and generosity. 


He got from Pan every possible gaít, 

A staff to direct five provinces together, 

Wax in plenty to heal his flock, 

And dogs to guard them from the mischief of wolves. 


He got a fair, smooth complexion from Venus, 
YVulcan gave him a greedy Íorge, 

Neptune gave him a ship on the open sea, 
And Oceanus a scoop tor baling. 


My heart-ache, my thousand tortures ! 

The Knight's glen shedding tears ! 

Without a musical starling, without the sweet voice of birds, 
Its fortune, its good, its star has fallen! 





I28. M8. ma h-aice. 132. a1ane may be nom. or gen. 


149 


150 oáNc4a aoohaaúáiN uí nRachanLLte. [xxvi. 


Oo baim a báp a sáinpe o' éinmmn, 

O” apcma a oaé ba seal an óaol-oaé ! 
Sillio lionn a pmúip "pa praon-óeanc ! 
Smion a cnám ne pána cnéiseann ! 


óuióimm-pe oo Peabac na lann oo naobaóo, 
I50 óÓlóine Píon san ofó san éiphna, 

Cuap a s-caioneain plaicean na snéine, 

Cuas an prmúic-peo an ún-bnos éibm. 


Gus prmalc "na Trsniíorcan ó Sionainn so béana, 
Cus oub-óaé ain lonnnaó na snéine, 

Cua paaó Páil ao cnáióce oéanac, 

Ó Capn ceap ao h-Gileac Néioe. 


Tlonuan cnoióe, mo míle céapraó! 
Oólán ir cneiaoeán a n-aonpeaocs ! 
(tóban bnóin a a-cóinib éimonn, 
:16o Cnú mullags an éónamnn bunnaá oo léinraniop. 


Uile ioin prpiúnaib ún nán énaob-éarp, 

Ón na s-cunga0, 1T' cunaó na laocna, 

Oon níos-cuaine oob” uaiple a n-Éinimn, 
Nán ádoib psannpaó a naleó ná a m-baogaoal. 


Oo bí Leaé lilosa so cnom as éao leip, 
Cné n-a maiéeap can maiéib plhoecc éibin, 
THan bann na page pracipée ó céile, 

óÓo né a élú san pmúic 'ra ónéise 


'Sé mac Rioine Sionna na paon-banc, 
170 lomenúe aac pan é o'Pinl na paon-plané, 

Cnpoióe nan éóun oo óil sac aonneac, 

Dnonncóin beaoc oo lasaib éipionn. 


Da cunasa a ánuaió a n-am buaíóeanóa :ip baosail 
Da seal a énonóe, “ra clí, 'nPa céaopao, 

0 méinn san míopaci, 'Ta miíocal oá néin pin, 
óan cláóc ná cancuipne a a-ceanaal oon méio pin. 





I45. This line in MS. is 
o'apleaó a faoóal a bnón oeiníonn, 
which is difhcult to eure. 


SxYI.|| THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 


I50 


I6o 


170 


I46. MS. aoaó seal. 167. This lineisobscure. 169. Se. M8. 


His death took away her laughter from Erin, 

Her bright colour has changed to chafer-blaeck, 

Her nostrils and her noble eyes shed their humouns, 
'The marrow of her bones she lets waste away. 


1 beseech for the sword-breaking warrior 

Eternal glory, without loss or blemish, 

Above, in the society of the sunny heavens, 

Who brought this sorrow on a noble mansion of Eabhear. 


Who dealt a blow that works ruin from Shannon to Beare, 
Who coloured black the brightness of the sun, 

Who made the lands of Fál sad and tearful, 

From Corran to Aileach oí Neid. 


My heart-ache, my thousand tortures ! 

Woe and pain together! 

Cause of grief in the provinces of Erin, 

'The ruin of the topmost nut of the noble tree! 


Lily amongst thorns, fresh, not branch-tangled, 
Gold of champaons, champion of heroes, 

Of the princely famalsy, noblest in Erin, 

Who were not panic-stricken in fight or in danger. 


Leath Mhogha was greatly envious of him, 

Beecause of his goodness above the chiefs of Éibhear s race, 
As the choice of the flowers—separated from one another, 
His fame ran unclouded, and has virtues. 


Heis the son of the Knight of Shannon of the noble ships, 
The envy of every man, of the blood o£f noble chiefs, 

A heart not hard whom all loved, 

An exact bestower on the weaklings of Erin. 


Firm was his brow in time of trouble and danger, 
Bright was his heart, and his breast, and his mind, 

His mind without malice, and his spirit in hke manner, 
Without raillery or contempt in connexion with these. 


151 





le. 


152 


I8o 


IO 


oáNcda gaoohaaúin uí nRachallLe. —[xxvn. 


aNMN preanc-Uudo1o. 


(1 mainb-leac Díoe-áno, pin cáin púc “na luise 
Cana na m-boecán buineán ún ba ónoióe, 

Neans cunaó na leannán, cnué cáió o'ún-Puil níos, 
óeanalc mac Comáíip oéólán oún! páo' clí, 


Fáo” clí acá cám-las óeanalc ónéasac, 

FRioá-Plaic ir páió nua bánn na b-placa b-paobnae 
Saoi nán eáimis éum cáim sun éaé a Faosal 

9 Cníoro oá Ppaáóáil san eáinoe 'na plaiéeap naomóa. 


DeeCNIIUE, 


manRÓNa 4aN daóanen seádóaN m4ac 1NeiRáóe. 


O'éas an prasanc cneapoa cnáibéeac, 
Duaecaill Dan baó maié lámhe, 

Solur món baó nó-maie cáile, 
Raelcean eólmp Dból “na náíióiib. 


O'Peóis an c-uball cúmna sndáóman, 
O'peóáis an cnann 'p an planoa bláécman, 
O'peóis an píonúin caoi, paonn, páinceac, 
O'peóis séas palime ó DPanear álumn. 


O'peóia an ceansa nán Peanb a náiócib, 
O'Ppeóis an ceaccaine ó Plaiéeap oo cáima, 
O'peóis an buaóoaill ouapac oeaséóac, 

Oo bíoó as corpnam na b-peacac ó Sácan. 








XXVII.—OÓí this poem I have seen only the copy in the Royal Irish Academy. 
Three or four lines at the end have been omitted as they are difiieult to deeipher. 
For gome account of the family of Mac Inery, see ““Topographical Poems,” edited 
by O'Donovan, Index 4 voee. 


XXVII. | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 153 


Tug EprraPH. 


O death-stone, ever high, there lowly beneath thee is lying, 
The beloved of the poor, the noble, valiant branch, 
Champion of strength o£f favourites, modest, face, of the noble 
blood of kings, 
18o Gerald, son ot Thomas—oh, bitter woe !—beneath thy breast. 


Beneath thy breast, Gerald the Grecian is hfeless, 

Royal chief and prince who excelled the keen chieftains, 

A noble who was faultless until he had spent his life, 

And may Christ receive him, without delay, in His holy heaven. 


UAN 
ELEGY ON FATHER JOHN MACINERY. 


He is dead—the priest, mild, and pious,— 
The servant of Pan, whose surety was good, 
A great light, of truly good gualities, 

A guiding star, a Paul in his maxims. 


Withered is the fragrant, lovely apple, 

Withered is the tree and the blooming plant, 
Withered is the gentle, fair, lovine vine, 

Withered is the palm-bough from beauteous Paradise. 


Withered is the tongue which was not bitter in speech, 
io Withered is the messenger trom heaven that came, 

Withered is the excellent, virtuous servant, 

Who was wont to defend sinners against Satan. 








2. buacaill Dan, “the servant of the Most High.” Pan is sometimes used 
as a name for the Deity by English writers. láimhe: e/. XX. 12, and XXIV. 12; 
perhaps láma is the word here. 


154 


20 


39 


49 


oáNcda aoohaaúiN uí nRachaiúle. —[xxvn. 


O'Peóis Mereunus, cún le náimanro, 

Uócnann pobuil aan poéal ná cánunóe, 

((n saóan luna baó óundaó le h-áearp, 

'S an oam cneabéóa aan cealg oá mdáíiáaipon. 


O'peóia an paaóuióe paal-ónoióeac páilceac, 
Oo lean lona amp beaóa naomh Dáonua, 

(ín c-Opsan nuasman ugpal oána, 

Oo leas píor an Oíomap lán-mean. 


O'éaa an oll oob” oll-slic láioin, 

Oo eun an c-Sannc le paill "p a ceáinoe, 
O'éas an pralmac, oalca oo ÓOdáibio, 

Nán prmúin Opúir TT a o-Cnúé nán éánlaa. 


Cnoop níon Peanc an pean oo náóam hb, 
Oo Peacnaó a céonp ó olc so bán oo, 
O'Puaóma Feans; níon éeansaml le páinc 0, 
Oo nua pé an Leiprse can leins le pánaió. 


Oo b' é pro an smpsíoóaó neanc-cnoióeac áluinn, 
Oo b'peapna ' an s-caé pá Peaóc ná Ajas, 

Oo b'peánn é aim óloióeam pá éní ná an pán-Rlaió 
Alexander, ó lilaceoon óéáimnia. 


Uas an anama peacaig óo-Pláincee, 

Uias oo Cníopo, oá éaoimíb bána, 

Uas an (éan, oon peacac an-énáibéeac, 
Uiaá na n-oéan nsoncuiáóce cnáiíóce. 


Ciompán bínn a laoiréib Oáibio, 

Cláinreac halla na n-aimaíol baó anáóman, 
Ui lén cneapaóo an auineaó le Sácan, 
Si4olla lilmne “Tr a sonna ain an m-beannuin. 


Lia oon ocnac cíocnac cán-noóo, 
Uas na n-oall a n-am a nsábcanó, 
Uiaás na lag 'r a m-bnacac psáóda, 
Uas na b-pean, na m-ban, na naánlac. 








20. Oíomap -— “pride, contempt for others.” The priest is representeil as 
routing the seven deadl]y sins. 


XXVII. | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 


20 


39 


49 


Withered is the Mereury, the tower against the enemy, 

The torchlight of the people, without corruption or cumnning, 
The trackineg hound, who was a joyous champion, 

And the plough-ox, without deceit, to his master. 


Withered is the huntsman, generous-hearted, hospitable, 
Who followed the track and the life of 8t. Patrick, 

The Osgar, host-seattering, noble, bold, 

Who overthrew full-lusty Pride. 


Dead is the Goll who was so skilful and strone, 

Who sent Avarice with his Kinsfolk adown the chf£; 
Dead is the psalm-chanter, the disceiple ot David, 

Who thought not of Lust, and was not found in Envy. 


The man I pourtray to you loved not Gluttony, 

He guarded his body from evil until death, 

He hated Anger, nor joined with it in love, 

He put Sloth to flight out of the way adown the slope. 


A champion was he of stout heart, comely, 

Who was in battle seven times better than Ajax, 

At the sword he was thrice better than that famous chieftain, 
Alexander, who came from Macedon. 


Physician to the sinful, siekly soul, 

Christ's physician, for has white sheep, 

The Father's physician, for the impious sinner, 
Physician of the sick, wounded, and tormented. 


A melodious timbrel] for the sones of Dawid, 

The harp of the hall of the angels, who was pleasing, 
Physician who cured all who were wounded by Satan, 
Mary”s servant and her gun in the breach. 


Physician of the hungry, the ravenous, the naked, 

Physician of the blind in their time of need, 

Physician of the weak and their battle-standard of protection, 
Physician of men, of women, and of babes. 





24. rmúin :. ,/. XXI 16. 41. Assonanceis wanting. 


155 


156 


5o 


6o 


oáNca aoohaaúiN uí nRachaille. ——[sxvn. 


THáaaireoin lmnae aan uineapbcanó cábla, 
Cní muin bnéiae an c-Tíaosdail báíóce, 
Scniíopcóin ÁAcheron, cana na o-sáin-laa, 

Oo eéuin na oeamuin a s-ceansaal ain peápac. 


éeasnmóe rocain man Soloman éánpla, 
Dníosman bleaccman bap-sóeal oáilceac, 
Socma piíonnanseda poié14D “na ceáilib, 
Tleanmnac múincee clúmuail páim-óneac. 


Scuamóa meapanóa seanmnac snápac, 
llaill ná oímeap cnío níon pársnaimmh 
Fínéan naoméóa oéancac o'Ffáp o'Pual 

Na m-Dpanac g-calma s-ceannapac láíoin. 


(Or o3:8 Cínn Cona san poóal oo éáima, 
O'Píon-Pul nísée cníoe Páilbe, 

Oo Pleaccaib Laocna Caip na lán-óneac, 
Onpons na n-Oanan oo psaipeaó can páile. 


(lcá an pobal ao oonb “a óeasaió pan, 
(cá an c-aen “na oéis ao cnáiíóce. 

Oo s&oil Sol ne pnoóaib páile 

Oo paéis an Oaoil man oóíon paoi bánccib. 





30. bar-5seal: MS. béap-óeal. —s7. Ceann Conpa, lit. - “the head of the 
weir”; it is situated near the town of Killaloe. 


XXVII. | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 157 


Captain of a ship that wanted not a cable, 
Through the false sea of the drowned world, 

The spoiler of Acheron, the beloved of the feeble, 
Who tied down the demons in the wilderness. 


A philosopher sedate hke Solomon, 
so Strong, fruitíul, white-handed, bestowing, 
Ouiet, peaceful, gentle of disposition, 
High-spinted, accomplished, of good repute, peaceful of mien. 


Demure, esteemed, pure, graeious, 

Nor vanity nor pride grew with him, 

A righteous man, holy, almsgivineg, who sprang from the blood 
Of the O'Briens, the stalwart, the ruline, the strong. 


Of the house of Kincora without corruptiaon did he come, 
Of the genuine blood of the Kkines of the land of Fáilbhe, 
Oí the race of Lachtna, of Cas of the abundant spoils, 

6o A race who sceattered the Danes across the sea, 


The congregataon is doleful at his loss, 

The air is troubled at has death, 

Sol wept with briny streams, 

The Deal overflowed as a eoverine, along plains. 


s9. Lachtna was great-grandfather of Brian Borumha, and traces of his 
Toyal residence, “ Grianan Lachtna,” are still to be seen within a mile of Killaloe. 


158 oúNca gaoohaaúiNM uí nRachalUule. [xxwn. 


XXVIII. 


cARNAdIReCCC OOINN FPÍRINNÍS. 


Cn cnuas Uub na paolcoim an éis 'r an Peill omb 
(ls nuasainc na cléine gap oá léin-ceun pá óaoinpe ? 
To nuan-ra so cnéió-las mac Séanlap ba nís asumn, 
0 n-uaaáa cunóa an” aonan, 'r a Paon-óalca ai oíbinc ! 


lr cnugluóee, claonman, 'T i? cnéapon oo'n onoing oilc, 

Cnuaó-míonna bnéise pá Peula 'pr pá pcníbinn, 

5 a m-bualaó ne beulaiD án a-cléine ap án paoiée, 

'S nán óual oo eólaimnn Séamup conóin Paon na o-cní 
níosacca. 


Scaopaió an cóinneac le póinneanc na anéine, 

io CAO racippió an ceo-po oo pón-Pleaccaib éibin ; 
Cn cs-Impne beió oeonac an Flónonup: peaoi óaon-pmacc, 
'S an ““bpicléin” ao moómanac a peomna nís Séamup. 


Dei ine so prúsaóc “Tr a oúnca so h-aoóanac, 

(Tr ógaoóoails "a a rpenúoaó 'na múnaib ag éiarnb i— 

beunla na m-bún n-oub ao cúesail paoi neulcaib, 

0p séamurp “ a cúinne áil ag cabaine cunaansa oo Saoó- 
laib. 





XXVIII.——Donn was a celebrated Munster fairy supposed to haunt Cnoc 
Firinne, near Ballingarry, County Tipperary. He holds much the same rank in 
the fairy world as Cliodhna and Aine. He is a kinsman of the Donn, son of 
Milesius who is supposed to haunt the sand-banks known as Teach Doinn, and to 
whom Andrew Mac Curtin made complaint of his grievances. “There is a copy of 
this poem in the British Museum, and two copies in the Royal Irish Academy, of 
which one is in the MS. copy of Keating's History that contains the pieces on 
O'Hickey (23, G. 3). I has been printed by Hardiman, in his “Irish Minstrelsy,?” 
wol. ii. 


4. Here oalsca, evidently — “son,” and not merely “foster child.” 

6. 'The poet refers to the Acts of Parliament passed settling the sueeession on 
William and Mary, but chiefly to the alleged suppositiousness of the son of 
James II. 


XXYIII. | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 159 


XXVIII. 
THE PROPHECY OF DONN FIRINNEACH. 


Are ye moved with pity because the lying wolves of black 
treachery 

Are seatterine the clerey and bringng them to complete 
servitude ? 

Oh woe is me! the son of Charles who was our King is lifeless, 

Buried in a grave alone, while his noble son is banisheda ; 


It is foul and evil, 3t is treason in that wicked race, 

To brandish audacious perjunes, sealed, and an wniting, 

Before the faces of our clergy and our nobles, 

That the children of James have no hereditary title to the noble 
crown of the three Kingdoms. 


The thunder will be silenced by the strength of the sunhight, 

And this sorrow will depart from the true descendants of Eibhear : 

The Emperor will shed tearg, and Flanders will be in dire 
bondage. 

While the “: Bricklayer ” will be in pride in the halls ot King 
James. 


Erin will be Joyful, and her strongholds will be delightful; 

And the learned will ceultivate Gaelic m their schools ; 

The language of the black boors will be humbled and put 
beneath a cloud, 

And James in has bright court will lend his aid to the Gaels. 





I2. bhicléin. Im accopy of the poem in a MS. of Years Hisíory, bearing 


date 1715, this word is glossed thus: .. pníonnpa Séamurpr mac oon oana 
Séamur. b3 iomnáióce 'na mac cabanóa as an m-bnicléin. In a poem 
on the “Coming of the Pretender to Scotland,” and probably by our author, this 
subject is dealt with in strong language : 


“Ma saalla-bnuic oo óeanbaa so ofos-éónaó 
óÓun baprsano cu nán rneabaó o”Pul an nís énóóa 
óÓo b-pacíiomna le h-anmaib na nóaoi3óil €osain 
Ma sanb-eoinc “na ppaoalaib a n-onaoib bóeain. 


160 odáNca daoohaadáiN uí nRachailLe. ——[xaiw. 


beió an bíobla pain Uúicein 'T a óub-óéeasapa éiéiá, 
'S an buióean ro cá cíonncaí ná humluriseann oon g-cléin 
éinse; 
'S a n-oibinc can cniúcaib so Meuu-lano ó éinmn : 
2o C(í Laoireac 'T an Dríonnpa beió cúince aca 'r aonac ! 


Sea | Da, 
INSIONM uí óeanalilc. 


4 péanla san psamal, oo léin-éuin mé a gs-caócib, 
éiro hom san peans ao n-mnpíoo mo pseól; 
'S sun paobnac oo éaióir aaeése “au? oeanca 
Cním” cnéacsca “na a-ceaócib, oo míll mé san cneóin ; 
San bnéasnaó oo naéaimn oon Óiaipc can calaó, 
'S so h-Éimmn ní éeappaimn coióce oom” óeóin ; 
Cún cnéan-muin dain calaim a naéibimn a n-aieiop' 
Níon léan lom beis ao” aice coip Inpe aan pcnó. 


H 
i 


Ir cnaobac, “pp capoa, IP, onéimneac, 'T ir olaéac, 
IO lr néamnac, 'fir leabain, a olaoisce man ón; 
Ir péanlac a oeanca, man naelcean na maione, 
lr caol ceans a mala man psníob pínn a ga-clóó ; 
Ssémhn-cnue a leacan aoloa man Pneaccsa 
Óo h-aonae as carpmcainc cné líonnaó an nóip; 
Cus Dhoebup “na neaéaib can béisib ao? amane 
'S a éaoan ain lapaó le oíosnair ooo” élóo. 





XXIX.—There is a copy o£$ this poem in the 69th volume of the Renehan 
MSS. Maynooth College. The piece has already appeared in print in ““ Poets 
and Poetry of Munster.” We have followed O'Daly's text, making some 
corrections from the Renehan copy. “The subject of the poem was celebrated 
in count]ess poetical effusions during the early part of the eighteenth century. 
Her name was Lucy Fitsgerald. She lived at Ballykennely in the County of 
Cork. 





Tó THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 161 


Luther s Bible and his false dark teaching, 

And this guilty tribe that yields not to the true clergy, 

Shall be transported across countries to New Land from Erin, 
ao And Louis and the Prince shall hold court and assembly. 


Dec] De 
THE GERALDINES DAUGHTER. 


O pearl without darkness, who hast driven me into contests, 
Listen to me without anger, whilst I tell my story ; 
Seeing that thou hast keenly shot shafts and darts 
'Through my wounds in ghowers, which have ruined me, 
without strength ; 
In sooth I would go to Eeypt across the sea, 
And to Erin [ would never willingly return ; 
On the strong sea, on land, in bonds, and in joy, 
I would not grieve at being near thee by a river's side without 
wandering, 


Branching, plaited, in long wisps, in short clusters, 
IO Brightly shining, and limber, are her lIocks like gold ; 

Pearls her eyes, as the star of the morning ; 
Right slender her eyebrow as a pen-line in print ; 

The beauteous appearance of her cheek, lime-white as the snow, 
Struesline gaily through the brightness of the rose, 

Which caused Pheebus to rush to behold thee above all maidena, 
While his forehead was aflame through love for thy beauty. 








I2. roníob Pínn. O'Daly aspirates b, which is wrong: cf. a naman- 
noire élaona 'T a mala óear maonóa Tan éannaimsepeab caoll-peann 
a s-clóó cáio.—0'Swlliean a Fision. 

t6. R: 'S ac-éaoan aim lapaó le píosnup oá clóó. O'Daly: 'S c-éapan 
an laraó le oíosnair ooo ólóú,. Neither of these lines gives good sense. 


YOL. III. M 


162 


20 


39 


49 


oánNc4a aoohaaúiN uí nachalilúe. LxXIX. 


lr sléseal a mama man &éimb coip calaó ; 
(I h-aol-eoinpín pneacseda 3? pPaoileanoa pnóób ; 
Ní péioin a maiéeap oo léin-éun a b-pnacainn 
Caom-lle cneapoa ir mín-psoéc na n-ós ; 
Tr cnoióeana a balpan, a oéro áeal san aiéip, 
Oo Paonpaó ón naalan na mílce óom Pónc; 
Saon-sue a ceansan léiáíonca oo pcanóaib 
Dein cnéan-puic can beannaib ne milpeaóc a alón. 


Pheenix o'Puml Seanailc óSnéasmna an cailín, 
Séim-T?iún oo élannua Wlíleaó na plóaá, 
LUaocnaó san caile cnaocsea le óallab, 
óan cnéine aan calam aan níos-bnoas agn pcón: 
óan bnéasnaó sun rsasagó Daonaa ir banna 
Tr cnéan-coin Dun Raice cníoo-pa paoi óó; 
Ní'l raon-Plaé ná onasan oo bnéin éClomne Cainl 
óan sgol nir an ainnin míonla san pmól. 


Ní leín óam a pramuil a n-Éimmn ná a Saspan, 
4 n-éipeaoc a b-peanpan a n-inceleaóc “pa a-elóo; 
(Tn béis élipoe ir peanna cnéiése 'aup ceapoap 
Ná Helen lén cailleaó na mílce 'pan naleó; 
N-r1 aon Pean “na beaesairó o'Peuoaó ain maiíoin 
'Ma h-éaoan san maina ná psaoilpeaó a bnón ; 
Tho aéibíionn ! mo óeacain ! ní Péaoaimm a peacain 
Cném'” neulaib, am” aphna, apooióce, in oo ló. 





IS. The subject of this poem has been called “ Paoileann maonóa béapraóé 


banarmuil,” by Domhnall na Tuille. 


lips,” on account of their fragrance, cf. : 


Tr binne auéc seanna-óuiib balram-bua mánla an leinb. 
T)oomhnadl na Tuille on the saine. 


ao. R is followed here; balpam seems — 


KF..| THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 163 


White her breasts, as swans beside the sea-gshore; 
Her lime-bright, snow-white body of beauty like the sea-gull; 

Her goodness cannot be all put on parchment ; 

20 'The fair mild lily and gentle flower of vireins. 

Bright red are her hps, her white teeth without a blemish, 
Which would save from disease thousands such as I; 

The noble speech of her tongue learned in historles, 
Brought stout bucks over mountains by the sweetness of her 

voice. 


A Phoenix of the Grecian Geraldine blood is the maiden, 
'The mild cousin of the children of Milesius of the hosts; 
Heroes erushed without mercy by the Enghsh, 
Without strength, without land, without princely mansion, 
without wealth. 
In sooth the blood of the Powers and the Barrys, 
3o And the strong hounds of Bunratty has been twice strained 
through thee; ' 
There is no noble chieftain or wartror of the stock of the children 
of Cashel, 
Who is not akin to the mild faultless maiden. 


I know not her peer in Erin orin England, 
In wisdom, in personal charms, ian mind, in íorm; 
'The accomphshed maiden surpassing in virtue and fame 
Helen, through whom thousands perished in the fight; 
There is no man lwing, who would look at morning 
On her face without sorrow, whose grief she would not dispel; 
O my bondage ! O my hardship ! [ eannot avoid her 
49 In my slumbers, in my dreams, by night, or by day. 





37. ann maíonn - “just now, at any time henceÍorth.” 38. ná praaoilpeaó, 
sic R; O'Daly ná róáeéiópeaó. 
40. O'Daly onóce, ná ló. 


M 2 


164 oúNc4 aoohasúiNM uí nRachalilLe. [xxx. 


OCO 
epicauamium o0 C185e6a4RN4 ÓINNM tiiana. 


Gcáro éira ain na pnúillb as léimniá ao lúoman, 
Cá'n c-éc!hpp san paúncan as imeéeaós; 

Cá Doebup as múpasilc, 'r an c-éapag so ciuin-ólan, 
dr éanlaie na cúise ao roimh. 

Cáio pragoc beac as cúinne ain óéasacib ip ún-ólap, 
Cá péan aasur onúccs ain na monscib 

Ó'T céile oon m-bnúnac í, Réalcan na Iuman 
'S saol seánn oon Oic ó Chill Choimma. 


Cá bíoósaó ann sac cáim-laga ir snoióe-cnoic ao láioin, 
IO 'S an nseimniíó cia bláe ain sac bile ; 

Cill Cair ó éánlas a s-cmbneac so sanáóman 
Le Rís Cille h-Úinne án s-Cunaó; 

Ní'léascóin oá luaó “suinn, cá paocaó ag snuaódaib, 
Ón pséal nuaó po lugiócean le ononacab, 

Cun béanla ós mná uaiple (a Oé óil cabain buonó ó3) 
dn ónaob éumpa ip uaiple a a-C3ll Choimmáa. 


Cá'n Ríos-Pplare “na aánocab ain íphb 'p an ánodaib, 
'S na mílce oá pPáilcirnóaó le muininn ; 

Cá'n caoioe ao h-aóbanac, 'p coill álarp as pár ann, 

20 'S snaoi ceaór ain báncaib san milleaó ; 

Cánio cuancsa, ba ánáéac paoi buan-pcoinm ónánna, 
óo ruaimhneac ó éánlais an pnuiómeaó, 

Cá cnuapcan ain cnáis “sunn ná luapsann an c-páile, 
Ruacain np báinmá IT ouileapa. 





XXX.—This poem is printed in O'Daly's “: Poets and Poetry of Munster.” 
There isa copy of it inthe Royal Irish Academy, which gives the title as follows :— 

epicalamiúm oo. éaóéeanna bnúnac Cmn mana an n-a póraó le 
hanóíon Coinnal bucléin Caille Caip. 

The poem was composed to celebrate the nuptials of Valentine Brown, third 
Viscount Renmare, and Honora daughter of Thomas Butler of Kileash. 'The 





Soroccai| THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 165 


IO 


20 


IAR 
EPITHALAMIUM FOR LORD KENMARE. 


'The fish in the streamlets leap up with activity, 
'The eclipse is departang without a struggle, 
Phcebus is waking, and the moon is calmlx bright, 
And the birds of the province are joyous; 

Bees in swarms eluster on boughs íresh and green, 
Grass and dew are on the meads, 

Since Brown has espoused the Star of Munster 
'The near in blood to the Duke from Kilkenny. 


The languid are becoming vigorous, and the great hills are strong, 
And in winter every tree puts íorth blossoms, 
Since Kilcash has been united lovingly in bonds 
With the Prince of Killarney our champion ; 
We are giving vent to no grievance, the wretched have a respite 
Since this news which is spreading among the crowd, 
Concerning the fair young pearl of ladies, (O faithtul God grant 
her success !) 
'The fragrant branch, the most noble in Kilkenny. 


The princely chieftain is a protection íor the high and the lIowly, 
And thousands are weleoming him with love, 

The tide is favourable, and a green wood is growing therein, 
And fields are growing bright without destructaon ; 

Heavens, wont to be disturbed by ugly long-lasting storms, 
Are calm since this alliance took place ; 

There is gathered on the shore, undisturbed by the sea, 
Cockles and hmpets, and dillisk. 





marriage took place in 1720, when Sir Nicholas Brown, Valentine's father had died, 
and the son was at last in possession of his property. The distinguished lady 
celebrated in this poem, died in 1730, of smallpox. Her father Thomas Butler 
was grandson of Richard Butler, only brother of James, the first duke of Ormond. 





2. Piúncan -s “struggle”; cf. múcao ná malleaó a b-píioncan man 


ca.— Aoidh WMae Curtán. I7. 'na áánoaib, one would expeet “na áánoa. 


166 oáNc4 aoohaaúiN uí nRachailLte. [xxxtr. 


Cáio uaiple Cill inne ao puoimpc ag ól pláince 
'S buan-bioes na lánaman a a-cumann ; 

Cáio puan-poinc ir oánsa oá m-bualaó an eláinna, 
óac ruan-ponc dain áilleaoc “r ain binneacr; 

Cá claoclóó ain énuanó-ceipc, T an c-aon eóin as buao' eann, 

3o Cá sané nugaó ain ánuaónaib sac n-ouimne ; 

Cá 'n prpéin món an Puaimenc, Tr an pae pór ao ruaimneac,, 

óan caoe-éeó san ouancan, san oaille. 


NASC 
cpeise Le ceomueLL. 


Cnpeipre leac, a Cnomuell, 
d nís cnoónaa sac paolóa, 

(T leao” ann pPuanaman puaimneap 
Th, uaóocanl, iT onóin. 


]annamaoiro san Caománac, 
Nuallánac, ná Cinnpaolac, 

Dúncoc, Rípeac, ná Róipceac, 
O'Pasdáil póro oo óuio a fanpean. 


]annamaorio Cnomuell beié a n-uaccan, 
Io Rís uapral Clomne Lóbuir, 
Cus a óóióin o'pean na púipce, 
(Tr o'páa pean na oúióce aan “nothing.” 


lannamaoio a b-pui, pan ceac po, 
Cín maie agup ain maoin, 

beié ní bup peann bhaóain ó aniuáa, 
d4T sac neac bur maé línn. 





29. buaó'óann, so O'Daly. buaóaccainc and buaóaócainn are used in 
spoken language. 


yoróraisi] THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 167 


39 


The nobles of Killarney are mernly dnmnking health 
And long hfe to the wedded pair nm love; 
Lulling melodies and songs are being struck on the harp, 
Each lulling melody the loveliest and the sweetest ; 
Each hard trouble is overcome, and Justice alone triumphs 
amongst us; 
There is a fresh colour on the cheeks of all men, 
There is a sound of joy in the great heavens, the moon also is 
peaceful, 
Without blinding mist, without sorrow, without eclipse. 


II AIT, 
MORE POWER TO CROMWELL. 


More power to thee, O Crom well, 

O king who hast established each rustac, 
It ig with thy coming we obtained peace, 
Honey, cream, and honour. 


We ask that nor Kavanagh, 

Nor Nolan, nor Kinsella, 

Nor Burke, nor Rice, nor Roche, 

Ever get a sod of their ancestors” portion. 


We ask that Crom well be supreme, 

The noble king of Clan Lobus, 

Who gave plenty to the man with the flail, 

And lett the heir of the land without “nothing.” 


We ask that all in this house, 
In goodness and in wealth, 

Be better a year from to-day, 
And everyone whom we like. 


168 oáúNca aoohaaúiN uí RachailLle. — [xxxi. 


NACH, 


aCcANNAL OO RINNe4ÚÓ 4 b-pánUuimeNc CUoOINNe 
comúáis. 


Cn peaó biapr éine púimn péin 

Ní beiómío a b-péin oo ánác, 
Cuinpimío píor an ceanc, 

Cn peaó biar an pmaóc ai án láim. 


Oo Prumáóeaman a b-pánlmenc, 
Ó Ceann c-Sáile so bínn Ééaoan, 
Gr éusaman a n-mneóin Dáonus, 
beac 'nán a-cáinse ag a céile. 


Cusamaoio onóin oon paolóis 

Io Cr mó preapróa Tar pPeánn maoin, 
lTr oeineaó puiáce oon b-pPleapsac, 
Capaop so o-cí an c-eannaé an c-ím. 


C(lécamaoio án o-cuanapoal 
Lá puan aasur ceié, 
(lécamaoio án n-éaoac 

Oo néin céille aasup cine. 


(lécamaoio án n-éaoac cuinp 
Tan acá anoip oo Sánác, 
óeanna-haca mín oub 

20 Tr brírce orauilce bláe. 





XXXII.—This piece, as well as the preceding one, is taken from the satire, 
“ Parliment Chloinne Thomáis,” and contains the enactments and resolutions come 
to after mature deliberation by the rustic race of Clan Thomas. In this satire the 
author ridicules chiefly the Cromwellian settlers of low origin and coarse vulgar 
manners, but the Drish who helped them to oppress their own countrymen are by 
no means spared. They hail Cromwell astheirspecial patron. The metreof XXXI. 
and XXXII. is free and easy. These pieces vary considerably in diflerent MSS. 
'The text follows a copy of the satire made by Denis O'Connell in 1786. XXXII. 
is a piece of considerable interest, as the poet makes the Parliamentary lights of Clan 


sorocaniil] 


THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 169 


OXOCHT,. 


THE ACT8 OF THE PARLIAMENT OF CLAN THOMAS. 


10 


20 


While Erin shall be ours alone, 
We shall not be in constant pain ; 
We will ordain what is right 
While authority is in our hands. 


We have sat in Parhament, 

From Kinsale to Beann Eadar; 

And we have resolved, in spite of Patrick, 
To be friends one to another. 


We gave honour to the rustic 

Who has longest beard and most wealth ; 
And to sit in the last place to the churl 
Who stores butter until the spring. 


We enact that we get, our wages 

'The cold day and the warm, 

We enact that our clothes be regulated 
According to sense and right. 


We enact that our body-elothes be 
As they are usually now : 

A low, smooth, black hat, 

And breeches spliced and beautaful. 





Thomas speak, in the rustic language of his time, about farming and other occu- 
pations suited to their state of servitude. 


The following variants are taken from a Trinity College, Dublin, copy (T), 


and from one made from a MS. of 1705, by M”:. P. Stanton (P). 


3. ceanc, T neaóc. 4. P neaco “nan láim. 6. P Cionn c-Sáile. 
8. 'nán a-cáinoe, T anáóman. 
20. or5uilce blác, T praaoilce abur ir éall; the reference is obviously 


to breeches cut and buttoned at the knee so common in the last century. 


170 


39 


49 


5o 


odáNc4 aoohaaúáinN uí nRachallLe. 


Ríos-booac an sac aon baile 
Le caile sonm man céile; 

Cr peanann paoa painmne 
Oo beié aise san aon nuo. 


([écamaoiro san ui ím ná peóil 
Oo :iéeaó aóc "pan oióce 
Tlear-maona amp maipeín 

Oo beié a n-oonur sac císe aaub. 


((écamaoiro san an oana leaba 

Oo beié ag aon oo Óloimn Comáir, 
O'easla bnáiéne ná pasaine 

Deis as cannaima óum bun m-boecáin. 


C([écamaoio o'pean an óin 

Copac móna :ip bnhnanain, 

(I sa-comain so o-cubnaó consnaií 
Oon cí ir cúpsaa oo sníp snapaó. 


Oá b-paásaó píb earbaio ná cnáálar?, 

Ná bun pcón aa oul a naíonnaócc, 

dín con ná oíolpaó pib bún b-paaca 
Cuimaió bún a-cuio ain láin bun a-cloinne,. 


(léCcamaoio an uile acnann 

Oá m-beaó eaonuinn ná cnupoáil 
4 néisceac ao nó-éapa 

Ue oiap oo Cloimn Comáip. 


((écamgaoio san mac oeasá-aésal 
Ouine uapal ná ofíomaoin, 

Oo beié "na écomnumse ameaps booaco 
dimpin bnanain na snapaia. 


(lécamaoiro pógT'aó oúbalca 
Oo néin oúsóaip ir neaósa, 
Oo maec-pa asam ináin-pe, 
lIr m?náion-pa agsao mac-pa. 


Déar 





47-48. P oo be; 'na éomnuíóe amearas clanna plearaac ná 


neamónuinn. 


CET, || 


39 


49 


5o 


THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 


That a chief-bodach be in every village 
With a blue hag fíor his wife, 

And that a farm lone; and wide 

Be his for nothing. 


We enact that nor eggs, nor butter, “nor meat 
Be eaten save at mght ; 

That a cur dog and a little mastaíf 

Be at the doors of all your houses. 


We enact that no spare lodgines 
Belone to any of Clan Thomas, 
Lest friars or priests 

Should freguent your cottage. 


We enact that the man who has gold 
&Should have the first of turf and fallow, 
Bo that he may give assistance 

To him who first grubs his land. 


H you fall into want or dafficeulty, 

Or your means become reduced, 

In order that you may not pay your debts 
Put your property in your children's hands. 


We enact that every dispute 

That may happen between us, and every wrangle, 
Be very speedily settled 

By two of Clan Thomas. 


We enact that no son of a respectable father, 
No nobleman, no idler, 

Abide amiadst /odaeAás 

In the time of fallow or grubbing. 


We enact double marriages 

According to hereditary custom and law 
Thy son to marry my daughter 

And my daughter to marry thy son. 








52. P 'r c nnáion-pa as mo mac-pa, which has more point. 


“il 


172 


6o 


79 


8o 


oúNca aoohaaúáinN uí nRachalilLe. 


(lécamaoio an uile Pleaprsac 

Noc oóéanpar malainc nó manaáil, 
Oiarp oo beié oo láéain 
O'Píon-Phocc Cloinne Comáip. 


(4 s-cár oá m-beaó a n-aéóneaócar, 
óo n-oeanbdaó a n-éiseac, 

Cum a cooa o'Paááil can n-aip 

Ue ““by this Book ap bneág pin.” 


Clccamaoio an uile Pleapsac, 
Chnp a m-bí cúnam bocóiae, 
Cnoiciíon caonac na Péile meal, 
Oo beié aase cum oonnóise. 


(lécamaoio a n-am buana, 
Ím cóipe asurp rpólla, 
Cúis birnainne saan amhnar, 
(i n-am bnanain ir móna. 


([ecamaoiro oá pinainn 

O Samun so Féil Dníaoe, 

Cpí pinaimne pan eannac, 

([n peaó maippiíor an píolcun. 


(lécamaoino le céile 

O Dínn Éaoain ao Ceann c-Sáile, 
már Sasranac már éiníonnac 
Dené leap an cé bup láione. 


(lécamaoiro ceanamúáil le eéile 

Uuá Féile mhil ar Wáinc Cápac, 
óo s-cunpimírT píor beanca 

Na h-aicme-pe bíop oán a-cáblao. 


(lécamaoiro pósnaó na Peíle Wheil 
Oo éabainc a a-cíionn saeé baile, 
O'ponn ao m-biaómaoip a muimiáin 
óo b-paóámaoir an peanann. 








caola na m-bó. 


[xxxrr. 


66. rpólla, T peóil. 67-68. T accamaoio a n-am néala (?) pucósa 


6o 


79 


8o 


. THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 


We enact that when any churl 
Mabkes exchanges or bargains, 
There be two present 

Oí the true race ot Clan Thomas. 


So that 1í he be sorry 

He might swear falsely 

To get his goods back again 

Saying “: By this book that is a he.” 


We enact that every churl 
Who has charge of a tent— 
A sheepskin of Michaelmas 
He should have or a mitten. 


We enact, in the time of reaping, 
Butter, cheese, and a pieee of meat ; 
Five pencee without doubt 

In the time of fallow and turf. 


We enact two pence 

From November to Bridget s Feast; 
Three pence in the spring 

While seed-sowing lasts. 


We enact all together 

From Beann Eadair to Kinsale : 
Be he English, be he Irish, 

To be on the side of the strongest. 


We enact that we meet together 

At Michaelmas and Easter Tuesday, 
That we may put down the deeds 

Oí this set who have been oppressing us. 


We enact that the Michaelmas warmne 
Be given at the head of every village, 
So that we may be in hopes 

That we may get the land. 


173 








71—72. T cní pinainne san amhnar a n-am bnanain ir aoil. “There 
are, besides the above, several other variants, and some stanvas wholly different. 


174 oánca aoohasúiN uí RachaiLLe, —[xxxn. 


4 n-am snapaa oo bún o-nóáeannao! 
Dun naannuóe bee bmpce, 

Dun n-úsam arp bun s-céacca 

Ir bún rlabnaóée "na naíosaib. 


Gúmpin canbuóácse nó buana 
go Díoó bun a-copa so leóince, 
Folaec ain bun púile, 
Nó bun láma ceanauilce le cónoa. e 


(lécamaoio an uile níó 

Oo néin slhoocann ir cníonnaóoc, 
Ón o-o$seannaoi beé ceanaalce, 
dr rnmn péin oo beó pasaoilce. 


CSCXIIT,.| 


g9o 


THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 


In the time of grubbing for your lords, 
Let your implements be broken, 

Your tackling and your plough 

And your traces in bits. 


In the time of harvest or reaping 
Let, your feet be sprained, 

Your eyes bhndfolded, 

Or your hands tied by a string. 


We enact every thing 

Aecording to prudence and wisdom, 
That our lords be tied down 

And we let loose. 


175 


176 oáNca aoohaaúáiN uí nRachailLe. [xxxm. 


XXXIII. 
manÓNa mic canó4 Na paiLlíse. 


(cá prmúic 'ran ppéin ir Phnaoc ir pPeana nmhneac, 
lr oúscap Méill ao léin ePá bnacaib caoince, 
Cn Tílumainn le céile cnaoesa manb claoióce, 
Cné príonnpa óaoógal ir Raelcean Clanna Hlílio. 


Thlíleaó nán claoióce a n-am eapmainc an áleó, 
Sínrean na níos-mac a o-caeca “pa pcóip, 
Dnríom-Tlocc na ploinnce ar ceanmun plóá. 
Tr píon-éneac san puiáleac na bDanba ip bnón. 


bpónanro bíoósaaio ríos-ban Inip éilae, 

io Coirp Dóinn, coip. Dpiáino, coir Laoi, coip Uipe, ip éinne, 
Coirp Uós coir Oaoil coir. Aoine in Sionna a n-éinpeacc, 
4 naleó iT a a-coimeapasan caoince a a-coimne a céile. 


Le céile acá Ééinpe aca a n-olúé-émhnpe bnóin, 

Ó Leiaimn so Dnpnéipne ip ao cúmaipr Onumne móin, 
Coir Péile, coir Sléabe Ir, cá piao a n-uaml áleó, 
Tr ó Déana san cnaoódó, so cúis Ulaó an c-plóia. 








XXXIII.—The Mac Carthss built four ceastles on the edge of Lough Lein, and 
the river Laune ““ to stop all the passages of Desmond,” as Carew putit. “The 
tract of country lying along the banks of the “: Laune,”' says Windele, “and at the 
mountain 's foot to some considerable distance is still called MacCarthy Mor's 
country, as containing the ancient residenceof the chief of that name. “The Castle 
of Palice, or otherwise Caislean Va Cartha, stood a naked ruin on an eminence a 
little to the north of thelake and in view ofthe Laune Bridge. A few seattered trees 
point out its site. 'The green fie]d in front is still called Park an Croah, the 
gallows field, that being the place where MacCasrthy executed his justice on 
delinguents.” Of this poem there are two copies in the British Museum and two 
at Maynooth. The British Museum copies have not been used in preparing the 
text. 


I. BR. rpéin pnaoc nm ip preans oeimneac; test as in M. 
9. rTíos-ban, more usually ríos-mná. 472. Tmrp for Tnpe, for assonance. 





sococaiiliai| THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 177 


IO 


XXXIII. 
ELEGY ON MACCARTHY OF PALICE. 


In the heavens there is mist and storm and farious wrath, 

And all the land o£f Niall is in robes of moumine; 

The whole of Munster is prostrate, lifeless, subdued, 

Because of the Prince of the Gael and the Star of the Sons of 
Milesius. 


A champion, unscathed in the time of the conflact of battle, 
First heir oí the sons of kings, their stay, their glory ; 
Foremost descendant o£f the ereat famihes, the defence of hosts ; 
The very ruin of Banba, nought left behind, and her gnief! 


The fairy maidens of Inis Eilge grieve and start, 

Beside the Boyne, and the Bride, and the Lee, and the Liffey 
and the Erne; 

Beside the Logh, the Deal, the Aoine, and the Shannon, all 
together 

Are they in conílict and in contest of lamentation one against 
another. 


They have put all Erin in an intense agony of grief 

From Leinster to Brefny and to the verge of the great Drune; 

Beside the Feale, beside Bhab Mish, they are in a conftlict of 
mourninge; 

And from Beare without pause to Ulster of the host. 





II. LÓá, a river that flows into the Laune. 


“ Fast by the Laune”s and Los fair currents meet 
Circle the plain and murmur at his (Dunloe's) feet.”?? 
Poein on Killarnew, A.p. 17176. 


I12. a a-comnea?san, MS. caompamop. 
I4. Drunge, a high hill in the barony of Iveragh, county Kerry, above 2000 


feet above the sea-level; perhaps for Ueráinn we should read Léicóleann. 


YOE. EL N 


178 oáNc4a aoohaaúiN uí RachailLe. [xxxm. 


20 


39 


49 


Sim Ulcaó man Connaccais so oúbac oeónac, 

O Tiluirnne so Solban so oúbac bnónac, 

Than Cúculainn óum cumap mnc a nolús -ecomnaic, 
lr cúir cuipre óil ao haomancac na a-cúig cóiase. 


Scón cúise na muinne man éiroe oon cnéao, 

Leoman lúineac na a-cunaóe a n-áno-sdipae 31? éaóoc, 
O'óno cille baó nó-óunaimn cú ain lán leapa paon, 
Oóib le IP sleó 'T cubaipc oo éápa manb paon. 


Faon ó eánla lám óeap mc nís asuimn, 

Cn leasaó oon blá6 neamóa neam-euinpeac, 
Tr ceapna oo óámh baó anáeac ealaóanoa, 
(la coiponol sac lá so clán na bailípe. 


'S an b-]lailír oo csceansmuióoíp complaéc cnuinn, 

lr san caoaióe aca ain éeapnuáil noin onons ná buióean, 

([s parcaom cin. hallaroib ir san eapnaim ain bDiaó, 

lr as mancuieacc ain eacnaióib man beao a o-Ceamain 
na níos. 


Rís mac Canéóa a leac áóéair man éapae pao' óíon, 
Lán-cneac na blannan ir Cain! na níos, 

Cpeac cáince cneac páióe cneac plaéa “pan óill, 

lr cá cnáccam, ó aip cápman í Danba ag caoi. 


'S eaó caoi an níS coise. nó énóóa ór oeanbéa a s-cné 
Cn nís cóin caoipeac o 'Fóola ap o 'Peanannab Dném, 
lr níá ó m-biaió an éonóimn ceanc agn caca ao óéis 
'Sip cínn o'ónodaib na o-cneón cu san sainm ao cnéié. 








etc. 


I8. Mushra, a mountain near Macroom, county Cork. Gulban, in Sligo. 

22. Metre defeotive. 27. M$. alluióeanoda. 

36. 'The word cápman has been inserted for the metre. 

37. Beginning of this line seems corrupt, perhaps Caoi cóiae an nís óénóóa, 


49. so cnéis : MS. pá rmúno, the opening words of the poem. 








Socoidgaih|| THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 179 


20 


39 


49 


Both Ulstermen and Connaughtmen are doleful and in tears; 

From Mushra to Gulban in mournine and sorrow ; 

Like Cuchulainn was he in force of strength, in the thick of the 
fight; 

He is the cause of excessive, woful weeping to the five provinces. 


A province's store of affection, like a treasure to the people, 

Hero, armour of champions in high valour and renowned deeds, 

Heavy is the blow to the Church s orders, that thou hest in the 
middle of a mound lhfeless; 

To them all 34t is stritfe and misíortune to hear that thou art aead 
and prostrate. 


Since the right hand of the descendant o£f kings as prostrate, 
As the celestial flower without guile is fallen, 

It is distress to the poets, ever skilled in their art, 

Who repaired daily to the plain of Palice. 


At Palice a numerous band were wont to assemble, 
Who were not aceustomed to fear tribe or host, 
Merry-making in halls, without want of food, 

And nmiding on horses, as at Tara of the kings. 


O happy 8srave-stone, thou hidest as a ftreasure the king 
MacCaethy, 

The full ruin of Blarney, and of Cashel of the kines, 

The ruin of peoples, of bards, ot chieftains, hes in the church- 
yard; 

And what need be further said since Banba is dolefully bewailing 
him ? 


It is the bewailing of the king of a province, of great valour, 
who is indeed laid in a bed of clay, 

The king who was the true chieftain of Fodla and of the plains 
of Brian; 

'The chief who has left the true crown without support, 

And it is sickness to the ranks of the brave that he is voiceless 
and prostrate. 


180 odáNc4 gdoohaaúiN uí RachallLe.  [xxxiv. 


IONOGIe 


4IR OíbinRc Na Ó-puané. 


Oo couala pséal oo eéap ain ló me, 

lTr éua T an oióce a n-ogaoinpre bnóin me, 

O'pás mo éneac san neanc mná peólsa, 

óan bníá aan meabain san saneann san pósnam. 


Clóban maoice pagoileaó an pseóil pin, 
Cár san leiseap ir aónaó cóinpe, 
([enuaó lui nn uilc ip eóleai, 
óníoruágó ceaóma 1T' cneisoe móine. 


Oíoóusaó buióne cníce Póóla, 

IO LUasusgaó sanínn ir angoi:i na cóigse, 
Tan oo oíosaó án n-ogoine mópa, 
4T a b-peanannaiD caince 3ip cóna. 


Tón an paséal, ní péroin Pólana 

Ón n-ofée oo níom lem” ló-pa, 

Euan an péile leun na óeóiaá pin, 

lr cá an oaonnacsc scc lae oá leónaóo. 


Ní b-pPuill chan a n-aaóaib Póóla, 

Ní b-puil aapninn agsuimn ná ónoa, 

Ní b-pull bairoe ain án leananóib óga, 
20 óan pean reapaim ná saosanéóa a a-cóna. 


Cnéao oo oéanpaó án n-aop ósa, 

Tr ná pPuil neac ne maié oá b-pónsainc, 
(l[cáro san cpiaé aóc Oid na alóine, 

(IT a b-pníom-ál oá nsníopáil can bócna. 





XXXIV.—This poem is given anonymously in a MS. in the Library of Trinity 
College Dublin; and in more than one MS. at Maynooth and elsewhere, it is ascribed 
to ““Ciannaióeac cnáióce áiníóóe éigin,” “a certain tormented Kerryman.” 
From internal evidence, it seemed to belong to O'Rahilly, several lines of it 
reappearing in his poems : hence ita place here. TI has been found, however, that 
one or two M88. ascribe it to the ill-fated Pierse Fermiter. If it be Femiter's 





XXIV, | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 181 


XXXLIV. 
ON THE BANISHMENT OF THE NOBLEsS. 


I have heard a tale which torments me by day, 

And puts me by night in the bondage of sorrow ; 

That has left my body without the strength of a woman after 
labour, 

Without vigour, without mind, without wait, or activity. 


A eause of weakness is the spreadine of that tale, 
A miesfortune without eure, and a kindhne of gnief, 
A renewal of injury, and evil, and mouring, 

A stirring up of disease and great agony. 


The ruin of the people of the land ot EFodla, 

io The weakening of the joy and pleasure oí the provinces: 
That our nobles were drained out 
From the lands which by law and justice were theirs. 


Heavyy is the tidings; nor can the sufferings 
Oí our ruin be desermbed in my time; 

After this afflietion came upon generosity, 
And humanity is being daily put out of joint. 


There are no clergy in the lands of Fodla; 
We have neither Masses nor Orders; 
Our young children receive no baptism ; 
so Nor is there a man to stand for them, or plead their cause. 


What shall our young folk do, 

Since there is none to relieve them with good ? 
They are without a lord save the God of glory 
While their chief brood are forced across the main. 





work, it must have been composed at the beginning of the Cromwellian 
transplantations. 


I2. M cance cónaó. I6. M omits sac lae, and is inaccurate 
throughout. I9. leanaioib, M leinb. “The statements made in lines 17—20 
are scarcely exaggerated. 23. (/f. XIII. 22. 


182 


30 


49 


5o 


oánNca aoohaaúáiN uí RachaillLe. —[xxxm. 


Seanán m'aisne oegnb na paeól pin, 
óabáil sanb na n-eaccnann óinnne, 

mu píor asam an c-aóban pá n ónoda, 
O'aiéle án b-peaca an c-(léain oo óeonara. 


Oá m-beaó Cuaéal puaonac beó asumn, 
Nó Féiólm oo éneiáiopeaó cóna, 

Mó Conn, pean na a-caé oo nó-éun, 

Hí biaó ceann na nóall oán b-póanaóo. 


Cán 5aob 4Tpc oo éan an ónóóacc, 

Nó mac Con baó óoóc a a-comlann, 

Léan rsannnaó clann Oilaoll Oluim, 

Tr réan oo óallab ná mamó na cneóin mh. 


Tr léan oo banba manbaóo éosmn, 
Cnéimpegan pá céile oon beóóaocc, 

Ní biaó neanc can éeanc an Póocaib, 
da na béanaib bnéana móna. 


Oo biaó neanc 31T ceanc 31T cnóóacc, 
Oo biaó pmaóc 1T neaóc pá nó-cíon 
Oo taaó naé ain an Tan b-pósman 
Oá m-beaó Oia le cnmaóaib Póóla. 


O"meéas brman na a-chan ón m-Dóipime, 
Oo bí cnéimpe as Éinmn pópóa, 

Ní b-puil T!Wupchaó cumapac cnóóa, 

(I s-Cluain Cainb baó éaca ne comlann. 


'S an cnác pá láioin na cneóin prn, 
Clann Cánéca 'T an Cál-Puil cneónac, 
Níon rsgoileaoan ógoióil oá b-pósnao 
Can cumn nó aac lácai ceónann. 





27—28. Riis íoliowed. M is very corrupt. 


32. oún b-pósnaó, sending us abroad: cf. Pósnaim uaim é-:l dismiss 
him. 


34. Poets of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries are constantly going 





: 
| 

! 
$ 


SGETY I] THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 188 


39 


49 


so 


The truth of this tidings is the sighinge of my soul, 
The rough beating the foreieners have gaven us; 
Well do I know the reason why He ordained it, 
Because of our sins the Father has consented to it. 


Were Tuathal, the nimble, alive amongst us, 

Or Feidhlim who would disable pursuers, 

Or Conn, a man who could well fight battles, 

The strong; ones of the Enelish would not, banish us. 


Whither has Art gone who loved valour ? 

Or Mac Cu, who pressed elose an conflict, 

By whom the children of Oilioll Olum were routed, 

IHtis well for the English that these strong men are not alive. 


A misíortune to Banba is the death of Eoghan, 

A brave man who espoused valour ; 

Else might without right would not give our lands 
'To the íoul gross beans, 


We should have strength, and justice, and valour ; 
Authonty, and law, would be i high esteem ; 
Corn fields in the harvest would be prosperous; 
Were God with the leaders of Fodla. 


' Brian of the hosts has gone from Borumha, 


Who for a season was espouged to Erin; 
Murchadh the powerful, the valiant, is no more, 
Who was a stay in the conflict at, Clontarf. 


At the time when these brave men were strong, 
The Clan Cartha, and the vwigorous stock of Tál, 
'They did not permit the Gaels to be banished 
Across the seas, or over every border beside them. 


back to heroes like Art, Conn, Conaire, while they scarce mention more modern 
warriors. 


39-40. “That is if Eoghan lived. 
49. cnác, MS. cmiae, which seems a mistake. 


184 oáNc4a daoohaaúiN uí nRachaiúLe. —[xxxiw. 


C(cáro na Oanonn a leabaió na leósan, 
óo rearsdin, rám, ao rTáóail, peómnac, 
Dníosman, biaóman, bnaenac, bónoman, 
Coimmneéeac, cainceac, prainnceac, pnónac. 


Tr é nún ir ponn na póinne, 

Oá méao píé oo ánío ne an b-póin-ne— 

(tn onona bíor as nísoeac neó asuinn— 
6o Súsna cluicióe an euicín énóóa,. 


lr cnuaas lem” enoióe "par cínn oán n-onólann, 
NMuaecan Cuimn, Cníomóaim 3ip €osain, 

Suap sac oróce as luáe ne oeónanóib, 

'S san lugó ann a cloinn oo bí aicí póroda. 


Ceac Cuaóuil monuan, oo cóinneaó, 
Ir cnó Cumn san cuimhne ain nópaib, 
Fonn Péióolme ao cnéió-laga cóinreac, 
lae luauine so bnúisce bnónac,. 


(lcaó Cunpc pá ceap san póoógap, 

7“o Cníoc Cobóaa pá osam as plóiscib, 
Clán Conmeaic páió poincill na s-cómpocal, 
Fán oncoin lán o'eoénom oeónac. 


To leun ní h-é cnéine na plóa pin, 

Ná buimbe na puinne ó Oóbun, 

Ná neanc naimoe oo éaill án n-oócar, 
(loc oíosalcar Oé cá ain Éinmn póo-ólap. 


PDeacao an c-pínnn, claoie an c-póipin, 
Ciéne Cníoro san puim “na cóimall, 
ÉGision bhnmnnaol, bmipeaó pórpoa, 

8o Cnpoorp ir aoio ir iomao móioe. 





53. a leabanó is of constant use in Connaught — “instead of.? 
57—6o. “These lines are by no means clear, but A (two copies) and M agree as 
totext. —R, íor 59, has 
an onuinas oo bior. as nnáoneac neó asuimn. 
'The meaning seems to be that peace with the foreigners is like a mouse making 
peace with acat. (Cf. XLVIII. 7-8. 


xXXXIV. ] THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 185 


'The foreigners are in the place of the heroes, 

In comfort, in guiet, in prosperity, and with many apartments, 
In affluence, well-fed, swearing, meal-consuming, 

With foreign airs, loguacious, greedy, nasal. 


TH is the resolution and desire of the gang, 
However much the peace they make with our race— 
As many of them as make terms with us— 

6o To play the game of the brave little eat. 


H is pitiful to my heart, it pains my entrails, 

That the spouse of Conn, of Crimhthan, and of Eoghan, 

Watches nightly and lies down amid strangers, 

While there is no tidings of her children whom she had in 
marriage, 


The mansion of Tuathal, alas! has been pulled down, 

The abode of Conn is without a remembrance of its fashions, 
The land of Feidhlim is in helpless distress and in woe, 
And the country of lIughoine erushed and in sorrow. 


The plain of Art les in grief without eomfost, 

so “The land of Cobhthach is put under yoke by armies, 
The plain of Cormac, the strong seer of synonyms, 
Given over to the wolf, full of tearful noise. 


Mxy gmie£f! it is not the strength of these hosts, 

Or the pride of the band from Dover, 

Or the power of the enemy, that destroyed our hopes, 
But the vengeance of God upon green-sodde4 Erin. 


The sin of the elder, the corruption of the younger, 
The commandments of Christ—no heed given to their fulfilment; 
The rape of virgins; the violation of marriage; 

So nIntemperance; robbery ; and unrestrained swearing,. 





63. M8. oeónaib. 
72. M onncaes. R onacinó. 
74. Dover is here put for England, asin XXI. 8; so also Bristol, II. 33. 


186 


go 


IoO0 


odúNc4a daoohaaúiN uí nachalUúle.  [xxsi. 


Meam-óíon ánáis ir cán ain ónonb, 

Raobaó ceall ip peall ir pónppa, 

Géisíom na b-pann san cabain san coméónom, 
((s raob-lucc painnce 3p caillce ain éomanpain. 


Cnéisíon. Oé le ppéir a reóoaib, 

óléar le a péanscan sgol aip comaup, 
óÓéill oo neanc “ran lag oo leónaó, 
Claon as bnpeaé “Tr an ceanc pá ceó óun. 


Ció cá an eana po ceann as cónmac, 

Fao:í láin leabain na nóall po nuaó aguinn, 
Óium Cíon-lilac cnéan na h-óise, 

Ó9 o-cia1ó an ceanc “fan alc “nan cóin oo. 


lr bíoósaó báir lom báp, mo eomanpan, 
Na paoice páma páproa peólca, 

(I o-cín baó anácac lan oo eóbaoc, 

Hte, vade, oá náó leó pin. 


1r aan acc cáinoe ó lá ao ló aca, 

Oá as-cun uile a o-cuilleaó oócuip, 

óo m-biaió pában oá Paaáil oóib pin, 
lr san ann aós Till further orders, 


óalan san céannaó ir maoescap món liom, 
óneamanna ogaon-báir cé cáim alónac, 
Seacipe ain an b-péinn oán áéill Clán Póóla, 
Tr easlair Oé oá claoeólaó ap ónoab. 


Cá pséimn na snéine ao neóna 

Fé écupr ó éináe ló ón, 

Cánio na Pppéanóa a nané oá Pósandaó, 
Má puil céanma án paosal nó-paoa. 


Fun an cáinoeap ppóáp a Sóiéin, 

Le lucc préao ní séan an paseó!l pin, 
Ní léin oam aoinneac ain m' eólarp, 
Moc oo béanpaó naol óum bnóga oam. 


906. Observe that s/e is pl., and vadé sing. 
IO4. Taking apr s asup, and ónoaib - ónoa. 


Na” i EMMA naí a á 


XXXIY. | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 187 


A constant scorn and contempt for the clergy ; 

Plunder of churches; treachery ; and violence ; 

The cry of the weak, without help, or justice, 

Beneath the false and greedy who forsake their neighbour. 


The abandonment of God through love of riches ; 
The manner in which Kinsfolk and relatives are denied ; 
The respect for might; the injury of the weak; 
Corrupt judgments; and the obseuring of right. 


Although the land be bursting with produce, 
go Under the nimble hand of these newly-ceome English ; 
I beseech the Only, the Mighty Son of the Virein, 
That the right may come into the place in which it is due. 


The death of my neighbouns is to me a death-start, 
The nobles who were peaceful, contented, nimble, 
In aland which was wont to be full of riches, 

fe, Vade is said to them. 


While no respite is allowed them save from. day to day, 
To put them all in further hope 
That favour will be shown to them ; 

too But there is nought in 3t save “ 790/ fur/4er orders,? 


H is to me a disease without recovery, and great languor ; 
Pains of dire death, voiceful though I be; 

'The scattering of the warriors whom the land of Eodla obeyed, 
And the Church o£f God and the clergy brought to nought. 


The sun 's beauty, even to the evening 

From the dawn of the day, is under eclipse; 

The heavens by their aspect are proclaiming to us 
That the term of our hfe is not very long. 


Frnendship has had a long enough turn ; 
IIo Nor is this bitter tidines for the wealthy, 

I do not know any one of my aecguaintance, 

Who would give me sixpence for shoes. 


II2. naol — “sixpence” from the Spanish ia; the word is unknown in 
Connaught. 


188 odaNca aoohaaúáiN uí nRachallle., —[xxxm. 


PFásbam pin an cun an Comaccas, 
Clon lilac Tilmne aile móine, 

dT a b-puil án n-uile-óócup, 

óo b-puiráegaó pab-pe ir mire comeénom. 


Ir aaéóim Íopa Rís na slóine, 
Than n3p píon sun cnío pm o'poóánarp, 
Soillpre laoi asup oióce o'ónoana, 

I20 Ó9 o-cia1ó an níó man Pílm oóib pin. 


aNH cedaNadaL(. 


óníorúsaó cneao, lasoúsaó ain neanc, ríonúáaó ain. ceap 
bnónac, 

PFíonúsaó án b-pean oo séimhús-aó a nalar, poillmnúsaó 
a n-acc óinnne, 

Cníocnúaaó án b-plaec oo óíonúsaó amae ain ónuim conn 
can bócna, 

Oo míon-bnúis las mo ónoióe oún leapa, ne maoóúsaó 
án n-oeanc n-oeónaóc. 


II8. cnío Tpan, M8$S. gen. cnéaúóanar, “abstinence,” hence piety in 
geneial(?.  R cné na Pior Ponnup. M cníonar eóanal, and so one 





XX XTV. | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 189 


I10 


MS., 


I leave this to the disposal of the Almighty, 

To the Only Son of the great and bright Virgin, 
In whom we have all our trust, 

That both you and I may obtain justice. 


And I beseech Jesus, King of gloryx— 

As it is true that it is through Him I have profited— 
Who ordered hghts íor the day and the night, 

That this may come to pass íor them as [I conceive 1t. 


THE BINDING. 


'The stirring up of sighs, the lessening of strength, the continua- 
tion of grievous dole, 

The confirmation of the bindineg of our men under locks, the 
publication of their (the foreigners”) acts against us, 

The completion of the sending forth of our chieftains upon the 
face of the waves over the sea 

Have crushed and weakened my withered, languid heart, and 
moistened my tearful eyes. 


R.I.A.; another gives cnéasanap PoanaT ; the line seems parenthetical. 


T24- cnoíoe' oún oc. VII 1. 


190 oáNca gaoohasúáiN uí nRachailLle. —[xxxv. 
XXXV. 

O0N cg00I1sSeaCc eosaN mac COoRmd4IC R1404a18 ITIC 
canóga. 


Cneao aasgup oocan oo saoncais mo céaopaió, 
Ir o'Pás me a m-bnón lem” ló ao n-éuspao, 
Oo bpir mo ópnonóe 3T mé ag caoi san cnaoógó, 
Oo cóuin mo naóanc san peióm i? m'éirseeacc, 


Daoó oem” éis oo éuic paoi néulaib, 

Uaoc mean ceannpa, ceann na T'aon-plaió, 
Comlaó oín oom'” óloimn an cé pin, 

Uón án m-bíó, án m-bnís 'T án n-éipeacrc. 


4 s-closao cnuauó a o-cugs T a n-éroe, 

IO 4 paiae corna nomh olpainc na b-paolcon, 
(tí a-cnann bagsain óum peapain a b-pléió cú, 
(I a-cnuac paoi pseimiíoll oe Píon san béim cú. 





XXXV.—The subject of this, the finest of all the poet's longer compositions, is 
the downfall of Eoghan, son of Cormac MacCarthy Riabhach, who held the Lisna- 
gaun and Carrun na Sliogach estate from Lord Kenmare. wLisnagaun is now called 
Headford, and is in the neighbourhood of Killarney and Glenflesk, “The family of 
MacCarthy, at present residing at Lisnagaun, are not the direet descendants of 
Cormac Riabhach. —In the satire on Cronin, the poet speaks of Cormac Riabh- 
ach, as being defrauded by his ““receiver ciosa.”?” 

In the “: Blennerhasset Pedigree,?” written about the year 1736, we have the 
following reference to Cormac Riabhach and his descendants :—“' Anne Reeves, 
third daughter of James Reeves, and Alice Spring, married Turlogh O”7Connor 
the proprietor of Ballingowan, before 1641, and had issue one daughter Alice 
O'Connor, a good-natured, well-bred gentlewoman, who by her husband, (Captain 
Eoghan MacCarthy of Lisnagaun and Carrun na Sliggagh in the County Kerry, 
left issue one son called Daniel and a daughter Anne MacCarthy. Daniel, only 
son of Captain Daniel (reefé Owen) MacCarthy and Alice O'Connor, married 
Winifred Mac Elligott and left issue, with others, a son by name Justin well 
entitled to the estate of Lisnagaun, if he do gualify himself by becoming a 
Protestant, by which means, and no other, he will recover his right, and defeat the 
secret management of Garret Barry of Dunasloon, father-in-law of Florence Mac- 
Carthy, the said Justin's uncle. “This youth will be lost in his pretensions to the 
estate if he do not become a. Protestant or be supported by Lord Kenmare, whose 
ancestor Sir Nicholas Brown (by the name of Nicholas Brown, gent.) did by a small 


s AIR I me chlanna au an 


xxx. THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 191 


NXXXV. 


TO THE CHIEFTAIN EOGHAN S80N OF CORMAC 
RIABHACH MACCARTHY. 


A sigh and a mishap that have wounded my mind, 
And left me in sorrow during my days, till I die, 

And broken my heart, while I mourn without ceasing, 
And made my sight useless and my hearing. 


It was from my house that there fell under a cloud, 
A nimble, mild hero, the head of noble-chieftains; 
A door of protection for my children was he; 

The store of our food, our vigour, and our power; 


Their (my children's) helmet of steel, their axe, and their 
armour; 
io Their shield of defence against the growl of the wolves ; 
'Their threatenine staff with which to stand im the conteast ; 
Their riek with a heap for ever without blemish ; 


deed of Enfeoffment in Latin grant the said estate to Captain MacCarthy”s ancestor 
named Cormac Beagh, at two shillings per annumand suit andservice. “This Latin 
Deed of enfeoffment I delivered, anno 1717, to Mr. Francis Enraught, attorney, to 
serve upon a hearing of Captain MacCarthy”s eause, and defence in the Excheguer, 
where the titles of MacCarthy (gwae vide) are setíorth. On the death of Alice 
O'Connor, Captain Owen MacCarthy, married secondly Margaret Lacey of Bally- 
laghlan, and left a son Florence of Lisnagaun above-mentaoned.?—0/d Yerry 
Records, 1st series, pp. 84-85. Eoghan's Kkinsmen at Lisnagaun, to guote 
Miss Hickson, ““won and retained the good-will and esteem of men of all creeds 
and parties.”?—70., vol]. ii., p. 127, note. [Indeed the reputation of this family in 
our own day for large-hearted generosity makes us enter into the poets feelings in 
speaking of Eoghan s benevolence towards hischildren. I know of but one copy of 
this poem which is contained in Egerton 94, British Museum. 


5. In this and following lines the poet refers to the downfall of Eoghan 
MacCarthy Riabhach. 

6. ceann. MS. caon, but metre reguires ceann. 

9-10. (Ú in these lines refers to clomm in 7. In these two stanras Eoghan is 
described in various military terms as the defence of the poet's children. 

I2. cnuacCc pao1 Toelmioll, a rick with its heap like a pent-house; the 
rseimioll is the portion jutting out. 


192 oúNc4a daoohaasúiN uí Rachailúle. —[xxsy. 


4 nsleacaióe éóupa a n-uóc an baogail, 

0 a-Cuculaimn ooo' auinm cum néióca; 

4 a-comainc a m-beannain námao ao cneun cú, 
óé sun éuiip le IRuimip an éi. 


4 m-bapc 'T a m-báo 'T a n-ánéac péin cú, 
4 leosan T a preabac a ga-ceann 'pra b-péinníó, 
(t lonnnaó polaip a n-ooinéaoóc pléibe, 

20 'S a o-cmaaé ceanc "Tr a mear can Éimnn. 


(tí s-caé-míleaó neanc-buióeaniman, paonóa, 
Calma, cáinoeammul, páióeamail, paobnac, 
Cunasca, cnóóa, mónóa, maonóda, 
Ríseamul, neaccman, naóman, néimeaó. 


Fíon-óliásceac, ponaproa, poipel aan aon luóc, 
Socma, po!ilbi, pocain “n a énéiaoib 
Chaeamuil, píoncamul, paoréeamuil, beupac, 
Ouimneacoa, oiagóa, ciallman, pénhn-ólec. 


Oaéamuil, opsanóa, cumapac, cneunman, 
3o O'páis na b-pean puain ceanna, Éimonn ; 

Oe Pleaccab €ósan móin, ir éibm, 

Ir Cair mnc Coinc, a naoil nán cnaocaó. 


eineamón na neacc, :iT Conaurp, 

4 bnrásain Iosa, ir Conn na o-cneun-óaé, 
(4 mac-ran Anne pPugn ceanna éilae 
Cainbpe, ir Car, an plaé, ip Méill Oub. 


4 bnáesain Peanaur calma cnéaóccac, 
lr luáoie món an lóicne léaniman, 
Ceallacán Caipl oo éapaoan cnéimhpe, 

49 Ir bnian léan cneaprsnaó Clanna Cunaépup. 


I6. It was Maurice got Eoghan's lands, but who he was is uncertain. 

22—29. Some of the adjectives in this list may seem to contradict one another, 
but there is no real contradiction between píoncamuil and paoicearmuil, &ec. 
It is not to be expected that such lists are grouped im regular order according to 
meaning. —Assonance and alliteration have more to do with their position than the 
sense. 


“2 béo sa huain 


sxixiviil THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 193 


Their warrior wert thou in the breast of danger ; 

Their Cuchulainn whom they may call on to restore peace ; 
Their protection in the gap of the enemy with might ; 
Though thou hast fallen by means of Maumnce the har. 


Their bark, their boat, their prosperous vessel art thou ; 
Their hero, their warrior, their leader, and their champion; 
Their blase of light in the darkness of the mountain ; 

2;o And their true lord, and their esteem beyond Enn; 


Their noble warrior of strong companies, 
Gallant, friendly, ingenious, keen, 

YValiant, brave, proud, stately, 

Princely, commandine, fortunate, powerful; 


Oí just laws, grave, strong, faultless, 

Ouiet, cheerful, steady in his virtues, 
Stout-hearted, fond of carouse, philosoplhac, pohte, 
Manlx, pious, sensible, of calm wisdom ; 


Handsome, Osgar-lke, able, mighty, 

go Of the stock of the men who obtained the headslap of Enn; 
Oí the prosgeny of Eoghan Mor, and of Eabhear, 
And of Cas, son of Corc, who was not subdued in valour. 


Eireamhon of the laws and Aongus, 

His kinsmen, Mogha, and Conn of the strone battles, 
Art, his son, who obtaine4d the sovereignty of Ealgc, 
Cairbre, and Cas the chieftain, and Niall Dubh. 


Fergus was his kinsman, strong, wounding, 
And Iughoine Mor, the afflictine: breese, 
Ceallachan of Cashel, whom they turned back for a time, 
4o And Brian, by whom the children of Turgesius were laid low. 





31—40o. The kings here mentioned belong to the highways of Irish history. 

39. The subject of caraoan is Clanna Cunaépaur?, that is, the Danes. 
For an account of Ceallachan”"s wars with the Danes, see O'Halloran s Hísfory of 
Ireland, yol. ii., pp. 213 etseg. —For a discussion on the name Turgesius, see 
Todd's Jar of the Gaedhil with the Gaill, Introd. liu. 


YOL. HI. o 


194 


59 


6o 


odNca aoohaaúáiN uí nRachailLe. [xxxv. 


bnáesain agoil oo bníom Uí Uaosaine, 
Seasáin an oíomail' Píocmain euocaia, 
Cloóa mac Coin nán claoióeaó a n-aon oul, 
Oo pua a buióean can coinn a n-aonpeaósc. 


Tr píon le n-amanc a n-annalaeé Ééimonn, 

óun cú an ceap oe P'leaccaib oéisíonana, 
Cmiaé na lNWlaimae an Cannamn 'pan c-Sléibe, 
Ón oá Cíoc so píonaoib Sléibe mip. 


(I bhnáecain úin na m-Dúncac enesao, 

llí Coneubain puain clú le oaonnaóc, 

Uí Oomnaill nán leongaó ain aon con, 

1r Uí Ruainc olúmuail na lúineac naléiseal. 


bnáeéain san oo lilac Uí Meill cú, 

bnháeain soin Uí Ceallaá 'pa céile, 
bnáéain slún oon Dpíonnpa Séamup, 

Oo néin man cansan a Salecan na paon-Plaie. 


Dnásain ÓOomnaill ónóm ó béana, 

Dnáeain Cloinn c-Suibne oo bí 'na laocaib, 
ÓOomnaill Cam nán píll ó aon-éaé, 

Ir ÓOomnaill 5noióe, ceann oíneac imíonn. 


Dnásain o'áno-Pliooccr Uí Réaaáin, 
Dnáesain Pin Ceanncoipc na a-eaolca, 
bnáeain ÓOub oo PThocc na nagaonóa, 

Tr lic Fimnaáin oob'” Píon-laoc 'n aonan. 








41. phíorm for pnéar, as oíten. 

s6. The Psalter of Cashel is meant; c/. XIV. 71. 

57-6o. This stan7a, refers mainly to the O'"Snllivans: the prineipal branches 
were—O' Sullivan Mor of Dunkerron, the O'Sullivans of Beare, of Capanacoise, of 
Ardea, and of Tomies. “The MaeGillieuddys were also a branch of the O'Sullivans. 
Aodh Dubh was common ancestor to the O'Sullivans and MacCarthys. Domhnall 


arais make “mm 


xxy.] THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 195 


AA Kkinsman in blood to the stock of O'Leary; 

Of Seaghan an Díomas, the fierce, the mighty ; 

Of Aodh son of Conn, who was not overcome in any struggle ; 
Who took his troops together with him over the gea. 


It is plain to be seen in the annals of Erin, 

That you are the head of the noble generous families ; 
The lord of the Maine, of Corran, of the Shabh, 
From the Two Paps to the borders of Sliabh Mis. 


Noble kinsman of the mighty Burkes; 
so Of O'Connor, who got fame through humamty; 
Oí O'Donnell who was not ever wounded ; 
And of O'Rourke, the famous, of the bright armour. 


A near kinsman to O'Neill art thou ; 

A near kinsman to O'Kelly and to his wife ; 

A Kkinsman inn blood to Prince James; 

As is sung in the Psalter of the noble chieftains. 


Kinsman of Domhnall the swarthy from Béara ; 
Kinsman of Clan Sweeney who were wapriors; 
Oíf Domhnall Cam who never retreated from battle ; 

6o And of Domhnall the great, the direet sovereign of Erin. 


Kinsman of the high family of O'Regan ; 

Kinsman of the nobleman of Kanturk of the marshxy plains; 
Kinsman of Dubh of the family of the Valley ; 

And ot Mac Finneen who was a unigue true wartior. 





Cam bravely defended his castle of Carrignass against Carew in the reign of 
Elisabeth. The Domhnall groidhe here mentioned seems to be Domhnall Mor, 
father of Giolla Mochuda Caoch. 
61. For an account of the O'Regans, see O'Donovan's edition of 7opograpásea/ 
Poems, note (411). 
63. It is not certain what Dubh is meant. 


196 odáNc4a aoohaadiN uí nachailLe. [xxxv. 


Dnácdain paal oo Niall na a-caol-eac, 

Tr na naoi naiall oo man an éinmn, 
Dnácai oian na m-Diíanac aopoa. 

Tic Dhianaip ir Cióáeanna na n-Oéipeac. 


bnácain pine Tic Tiluimni ón m-béilhc, 
70 Ir an Ríioimpe ó coip Sionna na a-caol-banc, 
Tic Tilaoil buain na nuas baó éneummhan, 
Tr uí Oonneaóa an Roir puain cuirim scgaob níor. 


Dnáecain món oon Róiprceac pénn cú, 
Dbpáécain sgipio an Dannais 'T a saolca, 
Dnrásain Seanalc oe maiéib na nóneugsac, 
bnácain reabaic Dunne na nalé-óa. 


Dbnácain píonn Uí Caomn san aon locc, 

Oo nus bucanó ón Ruaocaec sléiseal, 

Uí Ceallacáim uapal Cluana an néóna, 
8o 1r Clanna óuaine óuaimna oéancara. 


Dnácain Connpí Pannáil laocoa, 

Ir lilac C(mlaomn na leabain-rapiob euccac, 
Caiós san éáim oo báódaó “Tr an cnéan c-pnné, 
lr Caióa lic Canéa ó Clán Uuunc éibm. 


Caós Ó Ceallas ó €acónum euccac, 

Ir Caós an Tilullas pudimn unnam ó éiapib. 
óac Caógs bí caróbpeac baó ágaol our, 

4 bhnáéain oiáne ÓCaiógs mc Séapnpa. 


bnáéain Cúnraa lúbaa euccara, 

go lr nóeapna liílúrsnaise an cúil bumóe béanlaia, 
Cióeanna an bSlimne, an Cmnm puain néimegr, 
lr ::áeanna an Cannamn ip Canbmná caob leac. 


69. The Fitsmaurices ot Lixnaw, ;o. The Knight of Glin. 

71. Dermot MacMorogh, of Norman Invasion celebrity, is sometimes spoken of 
as mac TH aoil na m-bó, because of his ancestor, 

72. Uí Oonneaba: M8. Tic Oonnóaba, which is perhaps a mistake; 
cuicim -— “nursing, fosterage.” 

78. Reference is, perhaps, to the Battle of Callan, between the Geraldines and 
the MacCarthys. 


xxXY. | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 197 


Generous kinsman of Niall of the slender steeds ; 
And of the nine hostages, who ruled Erin; 

The vehement kinsman of the ancient O'Briens; 
O£ Mac Fermis, and of the Lord of the Decies. 


Kinsman of the race of Fitamaunrice from the Great Stone ; 

;o And of the Knight from beside the Shannon of the slender ships ; 
Of the son of Maol na m-bo of the routs, who was valiant ; 
And of O'Donoghue of Ross who was in fosterage with thee; 


Great kinsman of the mild Roche art thou; 

The near kinsman of Barry and his relatives; 
Kinsman of Gerald of the Grecian princes ; 

Kinsman of the warrior of Bunratty, of bright spears ; 


The fair kinsman of O'Keeffe without a fault ; 
Who came victorious from the bright Roughty ; 
Of noble O'Callaghan of Cluain of the peace-making, 
8o And of the descendants of Guaire the generous and chanitable. 


Kinsman of Cúií the fair, the heroic, 

And of MacAuliffe of the limber stretches, the able; 

Oí Tadhg the faultless who was drowned in the strong current, 
And of Tadhg MacCarthy from Clar Luirc of Éibhear. 


Tadhg O'Kelly from Aughrnim, the mighty, 

And Tadhg of the Mullach who was esteemed by learned men, 
Every Tadhg who was of much account was thy kinsman, 
Thou kinsman of the heir of Tadhg son of Geoffrey. 


Kinsman o£f De Courcey the supple, the mighty, 

go Andof the lIord of Muskery of the yellow plaited locks, 
Of the lord of Glin, of the lord of Curm who obtained sway ; 
Of the lords of Corran and Carbery beside thee. 








8o. Guaire Aidhne, surnamed the hospitable, was King of Connaught in the 
seventh century. 

82. Mac Auliffe of Duhallow. 

83-84. It is not easy to identify the Tadhgs mentioned here. “There are 
several of that name in the pedigree of the Clancarty family. 

88. O'Donoghue of Glenflesk. 


gam 


198 oaNc4a aoohaaúin uí nachaiLLte. [xxxv. 


lr cnuaáaá oo éalam ag clanna na a-caonac, 
Oo námua eaconna a n-aipae san éimc, 
Sceióa Pá n'uilimn oe aga lui? an bnéioe, 
Sceióa na cubaipce ó lilum? oe as Éamonn. 


Cúir mo núin in oúbac "par oéanac, 

Cnúna ir cúir cnéan éíonnpanaip euo ID; 

Cné briregaó na paoise b-píocman o-cnéiséeac, 
100 Cuinp:ío na cínn pin línn ir baogsal oo. 


Oo áníoó Seóinre món-éneac aonain, 
Thar lilac Cuimil a o-cúir na Féinne, 
Oo &áníoó Wuimmp le olócib a óaonaó, 
lr slón bínn oá s-cmbneac as Éamonn. 


Cn méio nán paíonnaó le h-minc na méipleac, 
Oo ópeac TWlac Cnaé an main oen cnéaoa, 
Le h-ón an oiabail oá lian san oaonnacc, 

'S anír so oubalca oá éiliom. 


(nm cé bí aca a n-unaió a a-ceannap na cnéine, 
IIO Ccá a m-bhaóna ag iannaió oéince, 

Oo púiseaó oír oá m-buióin san aon bneab, 

Full a a-cnoióe 'pa a-clí oá caopaaó. 


Cailleamuin Seasáin, nán rcán ó bneuacib, 
Oo euin €eosan ao oeó paoi neulaib, 

Na oíobanéais Píon-lasa cnaocca, 

'S a o-c1áce 'na pmúoa bnúisce ain aon ball. 





93-96. Having excited sympathy íor Eoghan by recounting his virtues, and 
tracing his high lineage, the poet turns with bitter scorn to the adwventurers—men 
who dealt in sheep and friexe, who had come in for his lands—and draws a 
ludicrous picture of Maurice and Eamoun, portioning his estate amongst them as if 
they were cutting a sheep into chops. 

93. éalam: MS. óala, the sense and metre point to óalam as the true 
reading. 

97-1oO0. In this stansa, which is obscure, cuinpío hmnn perhaps - cuinpío 
onnainn, : will injure us.” 

IOI. Seóinre; transcript of MS. has paoinre. Who George was does not 


xiv] THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 199 


100 


IIO 


It is pitiful that thy lands should be possessed by the tribe of the 
sheep, 

Who came among them without payment, without an ciric; 

A steak of them under his elbow held by Maurice of the friese ; 

An uníortunate steak of them from Maurice held by Eamonn ; 


'The origin of my story 3s sad and tearful, 

The reason and cause why you began to be jealous of him; 
On account of the breaking of the proud aceomplished nobles, 
These leaders will injure us it is to be feared. 


George used to earry out unigue plunder 

As the son of Cumhall in the front of the warriors; 
Maurice condemned them by laws, 

And sweet the voice of Eamonn as he put them in chains. 


As many as were not destroyed by the contrivance of the vaga- 
bonds, 

M'Grath robbed all who survived of the flock, 

By means of the dewals gold which he dispensed without 
humanity, 

While he demanded it again doubly. 


He whom they had last yearin the authority of power 
Is this year beggane for alms; 

Two oí their company were left without any stair of hfe; 
The blood of their hearts and breasts pourine out. 


It was the death of John who was not perverse through lying, 
That put Eoghan for ever beneath a eloud; 

And made the banished very week and subdued ; 

And their houses cerushed together into soot, 


appear ; there was a George Eagar constable of Killarney early in the last 
century. 

IOS. aníT : transcript, a PFAT; in any case the metre of line is defective. 
'The allusion in 107—8 seems to be to usurens, or else to soupers. 

II3. Who John was is uncertain; he may have been brother to Eoghan. 
1). pcán - prcaon, $ who was not perverse from lying ? (?), which does not seem a 
high compliment. 


200 odánc4a aoohaadúin uí nachanlLe. [xxxv. 


Daó mmac 'na óúncaib nóoain goj'oa, 

Onaoice 3T oámhn ir báine ir éispre, 

Filíóe ir chan oá nan le oaonnacc, 
I20 1r easlair Cníopc oo Fíon oá n-éilom. 


4 Óia cá ain neih oo ólaim na paeulca, 
4 Rís na b-peanc ir a Aeéain naoméea, 
Cnéao pá'n pulnair a íonao as beunaib, 
(I caop aca, ar é mnail an” ensmaip. 


Oo caoi Sol ao oocc an c-éinleac, 

Luna oo uil pnoéa oéanpa, 

Donpearp cpnuduó a o-cuoió ag Téioegó, 

Cn pao cá IHuimir a a-cumaí' Tan caob po. 


Cun óíbinc €osain ao. bneóisce cnéic-laa, 
130 Oo s-uileaoan occ pnocanna paohna, 

Gn lTiiána 'r an Leamuin pann aan paopain, 

CGn Canéoac an c-Sláine 'T an Claooac. 


Cbaimnn Cill Cmaó baó éan a caol-paneao, 
48 píon-óul 'r as caoineaó a céile, 

Dnuac na Uice ain buile '“p an Féile, 

(15ur an Oaoil ag aoil-óol na h-aonan. 


Cn ao: ao oúbac "pan c-Siúin as aéimma, 
(lsur Sionainn Cloimne Loinc na a-caol-eac, 
Gn liláas san pláince pá na pseulab, 

I409 Coip Uaoi 'r an Dníoeac ao leumhan. 


Fionna-pnnée 'T an Fleapra an eaprbaó céille, 
CGbainn Capnólan paoi psamall ip émne, 
dbaimnn Oaluoó 'p an Cuanac cnaocca, 
'S an beanba so pao-ómhac ao” óéiga-pe. 








I21I. meim, o]d dat. of neam, is reguired for metre. 

I23. a before 1íonao is lost in pronouneing the line, and is not given 
in MS. 

129—132. The sivers in this stansa have been all mentioned in XXII. 





SOACgIye. | THE POEMS OF EGAN O"”RAHILLY. 201 


Often were aged authons in his ceastles, 

Druids and seesrs, and bards, ani learned men, 

Poets and bands of rhymers dispensed to, with humanity ; 
Lao And the clergy of Christ ever visiting them. 


O God, who art in heaven, who hearest the tidings 

O King of miracles, and Holy Father, 

Why hast thou suffered his place to be held by bears, 

That they should have his rent while he is straightened for want 
oÍ it. 


So] wept bitterly for the ruin, 

Luna wept streams of tears, 

'The severe Boreas is blowing from the north, 
Ag long as Maurice holds sway in this region. 


On the banishment of Eoghan, afflicted, and enfeebled, 
igo Eight noble streams wept, 

The Mague, and the Laune, weak without respite 

The Carthach, the Slaney, and the Claodach. 


The river of Cilleriadh, lone was her slender moan, 
Bitterly weepine and lamenting her lord ; 

'The margin stream of Lixnaw, was raging, and the Feale, 
And the Deal sorely crying alone. 


The Gaoi was sad, and the Suir screamed, 
And the Shannon of the descendants of Lorc of the slender steeds, 
'The Mague without health, because of the tidings 

i4o The margin of the Lee and the Bride afficted4. 


The Fionn ruith and the Flesk deprived of their senses ; 
The stream of 'Targlan under clouds, and the Earne ; 

The river Daluadh and the Cuanach are oppressed ; 

And the Barrow in long mourmine for thee. 





I33. (lbainn Cill Cmaó seems to be the river flowing beside Headford, the 
scene of the bog disaster. 

135. bnuac na Uace refers to the River Brick, flowing near Lixnaw. 

136. aoil-óol for oll-8óoll. 143. The Cuanach is mentioned alsoin XXVI. 


209 odáNca gaoohaaúdáiN uí nRachailLe. “ [xxsy. 


Níon Ppás an Cnóinpeac oeón san ppneuóédaó, 
Faoi ánoab bócna bóman Déanpa, 

((n Ruaccac ao buanóca ip í as séimma, 
Obainn Oá Cíe 'pa oaoine cnéié-las. 


Ní naib Sía-bean oíob a m-béillac, 
150 Ó Óún Caoin ao h-íoocan éinne, 

Ó Inir Dó ao ceóna Óimnonn, 

Nán léis oeóna móna ain aon ball. 


Cun éeaoc liluimpm éug uile na eéino éince, 

Daó clor sáinn as mnáib an éaob Cumnc, 

Tr oá éaob Ilainae oá pneasainc ao h-euoman, 
lr baó clor uaill aan uaócan Sléibe I. 


Uean píse an Ruipr aa Trileaó oéana, 

lr bean ríse bán na Dlánnan caob níos 

bean píse an Sleanna 1ona labnairo eunlais 
I6o lr reacc mná píse ain an a-Cíc san cnaocaó. 


Oo au Cloóna cnío na pseulcab, 

Oo am Úna a n-Oúnplar éile, 

Oo suil Goipe a ríos-bnos Léiolm, 

lr oo ám (toibill rpría-bean Léic-enaa. 


Oo auml so cnuas an Ruaóccac caoille, 

Oo ml ine a n-ánup Snéine, 

Oo &uileaoan occ n- oócain an aon loc, 

Oo 6áuileaoan amhne an Ca annaimn 'T an c-Sléibe. 


bean píse Oún na n6óall as seun-ául, 
I170 Dean píse a o-Ceamain asup í ceuproa, 
bean píse a n-e€oóail pór san paopain, 
Ir bean ríse a s-Ceapa Coimn na n-Oéipeac. 





I45-8. The Croinseach is mentioned also in XXII. “The Abainn da Chich 
seems to be the river flowing westward to Headford, north ofthe Paps. 'The other 
rivers mentioned are well known. 

I49 et seg. After the rivers have been made to lament the ruin of loghan, the 
mna she or anna sidhe take up the doleful ery ; see Introd., seet. IV. 

I5o. Oún Caoin is to the west of Dingle. 





SEAXGV.. | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 208 


The Croinseach did not leave a drop but i3t seattered 
Throughout the kine-freguented headlands of the sea of Beara ; 
The Roughty is troubled, and moans ; 

The river of the Two Paps and her people are weakened. 


There was none of the banshees in the huge rocks 
Iso From Dun Caoin, to the lower end of the Earne; 

From Inisbofin, to the boundarnies of Erin; 

Who did not shed great tears in one place. 


On the coming of Maurice who brought everythine under hig own 
proper trade (?) 

A seream was heard from women on the side of Torc; 

While the two sides of the Maine rephed enviously ; 

And wailing was heard on the top of Shabh Mis. 


The banshee of Ross was shedding tears, 

The white banshee of Blarney which is beside you, 

The banshee of the Glen in which birds are voecal, 
I6o And the seven banshees on the Paps without pause. 


Cliodhna wept because of the tidings; 

Una wept in Thurles of Ealy; 

Aoife wept in the fairy mansion of Feidhlim; 
And Aoibhill, the banshee of Carrigelea. 


The slender Roughty wept piteously 

Aine wept in the dwelling of Grian; 

Eight eights wept together on the same lake; 

The fairy maidens of Corran and of the Sliabh wept. 


The banshee of Donegal was baitterly weeping; 
I7o A banshee at Tara, who is in torture; 

A banshee at Youghal also without respite; 

And a banshee at Cappoguin of the Decies. 





I53. óus uile "na eéino óinc is a difhceult phrase. 

I57 et sea. bean ríse : M8. bean c-píóe throughout. —Blarney is said to 
be beside Eoghan, as it is near the lands that belonged to his ancestors. 

I62. Eily O”Carroll included some baronies in Co. Tipperary. 

I65. caolille, sie MS., and also Hardiman, who gives this stansa. caonlle, 
— “land,” is given in O'R.'s and O'Brien's dictionaries. “The line is obscure. 


204 oánNca aoohaaáinN uí nRachalilLe. [xxxv. 


bean píse pór so oeónac euoman 

0 m-baile Uí Cainbne, ammin oeo' Faon-Phocc ; 
baipleacán a a-cneacaib báir páo” pseulab 

'S an c-eun Fionn a o-ceanncaib euag. 


Oo ólac panneeip oneam an Deupla, 
Oo Paoileaoan ao b-pallpeaó anír cusaimn Séamup, 
Cn can oo panegao an leac páo” pseulaib, 

18o Cn Uia Páil “na lán as séimma. 


O'éir sun caoióeaoan coillce ip caolca, 
Oo loipra mo énoroe oo mill p oo éeup mé, 
Cn bnaiso-seal ó Faióomb na paon-plaé, 
Oo besé ag aol san rom na h-aonan, 


(ls sneaogaóo a barp 'T as rcaéógdó a céibe, 
"Na a-caon n-oeana a oeanca san cnaoóaó, 
CI cnoiceann seal ain pPao na enéaóccoib, 
lr polac píooa a clí-ecoinp naobóa. 


O'éir sun eapseaoan pnoéanna as séimma, 

Igo Coillce conn-enoic aonma :ip paolcoin, 
Ríosain Piíonnpaoé ag ríon-óául 'na h-aonan, 
Oo couin m' ineleaóc cpí na céile. 


Facceam córp ir pPác a oéana, 

Oen c-rpoillpreac ó Faiócneab na paon-plaé, 
Cneao an bár, an cáil, nó an c-éiaion, 

Cnpé 'n an mull a baill “Pa h-euoac ? 


O'pneasain Fiíonnpaoés oúinn ao h-euoiman, 
Ue salón oo!ilb ao pollup a n-éipeaoc, 
Cá a pán-paor asac-la oeanb mo paeulca, 
200 ]r so o-$a nih na pnuné óm cnéaccaib, 
174. It is here suggested that a family tie exists between the banshee of a great 
family and the members of that family. 
175. bairleacán is the name of a townland in the barony of Iveragh, Co. 
Kerry; it is marked on Carew's map of Iveragh Barony in the Lambeth Library. 
176. an c-Cun Fionn, also ealled an c-eun Ceannan, XXII., the home of 
Mac Finneen. 





xx xvii] THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 205 


ISo 


190 


200 


A banshee, besides, tearful and envious 

In the dwelling of Cairbre, a maiden of thy noble race; 
Baisleacan in the tremons of death at tadings of thee ; 
And the Eun Fionn in the grip of death. 


The tribe of the English speech fell into a fainting fit; 
They thought that James would return to us again, 
When the Stone screamed at the tidings of thee— 
The Lia Fail moaning in its centre. 


After the lament of woods and marshy plains, 

It: sealded my heart, it ruined and tormented me, 

That the Fair-necked from Firies of the noble chieftains, 
Was weeping without ceasing alone, 


Wringine her hands, and tearing her hair, 
Her eyes as red fire, without respite, 

He: Dright, skin all full of wounds, 

And the silken covering of her bosom rent. 


After the streams had ceased to moan 

Woods, stately green hills, and wolves, 

'The gueenly Fionnsgoth, weeping continually alonc, 
Eas put my mind into confusion. 


I ask what misíortune has happened, and the cause of her tears 
Oí the brilliant one from Einies of the noble chieftains, 

What was the death, the insult, the violence, 

For which she mangpled her hmbs, and her garments ? 


Fionnsgoth replied to me enviously, 

With a mournful voice, as-was evident, effectively : 
'Thou knowest full well the truth of my tidings, 
Seeing that venom comes in streams from my wounds, 





I94. Paócnedab is no doubt the same as Piaaónib, of 183 swp?w, it is, per- 
haps, the modern Firies, in West Kerry; the poillreac mentioned here is the 
same as the bnaiso-seal, 183; both refer to Fionnsgoth, a mountain in Weat 
Kerry mentioned in XXII. 


206 odáNca aoohaadin uí nRachailLte. [xxxv. 


'Sa lhaóc pludnaá oe maéib Néill Omb, 
Eiasmóe in pPáio ir rán-Plaié beupac, 

Thná uaiple nán ánuamódg, 3? oaoine gaopoa, 
Oo cuoó oo ófé an bíó 'p an euoara;, 


óun oíbneaó an níá ceanc ao claonman, 
Gapboia, rasainc, abaó, ir cléima, 
Dbnáiéne maóa, ir chan na oéince, . 
G6up uaiple na cuaiée pe céile. 


O'” ínnríor ao Píon oi bhís mo paeulca: 
210 óo nab €osan món pór san baoasal; 

CL eéalam má bí "na ófé ao m-b'pPéioin 

4 pPaaáil oo apír le línn an ne4 éi3ne. 


Cáio cnéacca Seasáin ao h-áno as éiseam an; 
([s lonnnaim paíonncan aasurp as rméioe, 

([s raneaogaó pór ain €oóáan ao h-éisneaó, 

Ca iannaió pola óonsdaó a n'éinic. 


Oppann pór éóua léonaó léin ain, 

Ruánao: ir Seon mc Ómaip éian, 

Seasán iPÍ Oianmuno mam ba bneusac, 
220 THumip T an oíT pm eóua prsaoile léin ain. 


lTr bnónac anoip le cun a nógaoóallae, 

Cn ceupa éc “na éíoó an Saoóalab, 

lr an saé acme oe élannaib Ihlepurp, 
Cn méiío oíob oíompeá ne Luther a n-éioe. 


Tan o”?méia can pnúill anonn án a-cléin maié, 
Thar oo cumineaó ain oíbine éoióce Séamup, 

Oo cuineab pá prmaóc an main oen cneuoa, 

lT oo cumneaó €eoáóáan pá bnón, mo sáeun-áoin. 





213—2106. This beautiful stansa reminds one a little of the speech of the Ghost 
in Hwainiet. 214. Fíionnean, “struggle, contest ”: cf. XXX. 2. 

217—220. For an interesting account of the Orpen and Eagar families who 
settled in Kerry, see 04 Aer Reeorda, Second Series, pp. 140-212. “The Eagars 
gained great military distinction in the British army, and were not the last to 
make common cause with the Catholie Celts of Kerry. Francis Eagar, the fifth 
son of Alexander Eagar, the first settler of his name in Kerry, married a daughter 





gxixiy.i| THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 


2IO 


220 


Seeing the great multitude of the nobles oí Niall Dubh, 
Huntsmen, seers, and true, courteous chieftains, 

Noble ladies, who were not cheerless, and aged persons, 
Who have suffered want in food and raiment, 


That the rightful king was wieckedly banished, 
Bishops, priests, abbots, and men of letters, 
Pious friars, and the mendicant band, 

And the nobles of the country together. 


1 told her truly the substance of my tidings ; 

That the great Eoghan was still free from harm ; 
H his land was lost to him, that he could 

Obtain it again at the coming of the rightful king. 


John's wounds are loudly crying out to him; 
They are flashing forth battle, and beckoning, 
And also sereamine to Eoghan violently, 
Entreatine him to spall blood as an eiric. 


Orpen also inílicted on him a sad wounding, 
Rughraoi and Seon son ot Amos Eagar, 
John and Diarmuid who were ever hars, 


Maurice and these two brought doleful destruction on him. 


Sad now is 1t to record in Gaelic, 

The torture that fell on the Gaels in a shower, 

And on every band of the descendants of Milesius, 
As many of them as became turncoats with Luther ; 


When our good clergy went over across the waves, 
When James was sent for ever into banishment, 


All that survived of the company were put beneath the yoke, 


207 


And Eoghan was afllieted with sorrow—mxy sharp wounding ! 





of O'Donoghue Dubh, of Glenflesk, and so identified himself with the resistance to 
the penal laws made by his brothers-in-law that he is ealled in more than one 


despatch “a pretended Protestant.”?? 
Killowen in 1688. 


identify. 218, 'The name Amos is not unknown in Kerry. 
221—228. [n these two stans;as, the general evils of which Eoghan”s expulsion 
only formed a small part, are dwelt on, 


One of the Orpens, Robert, was the hero of 
But the Eagars referred to in this stan;a I am unable to 


208 oánNca aoohaaúdin uí nRachailLe. [xxxv. 


(leeminaim Íopa Cníolo oom éipceaóc, 


230 (In ceó po ain €oa6an ao Póil a énaocao, 


(UTnoa a beaéa oo éabain oo ain aon ball, 
Ó Smaee Finn ao píonaogb Sléibe up. 


Lhpae na lTainsee, ULeamuin, Uaoi, i Claooac, 
Snaíómio ne pnaéócub paain le línn Léim Cuinc, 
PFionna Snué, Plearpa, im eaipe an lilaoin sémio, 
Romn liluinir oo. éeaoc apceac ne Claimn éin. 


Cuicim na b-plaea meana b-píon-laocoa, 
Re numin na namao neancman naníom-euec4ac, 
Oláace na b-pean léan leasaó Rís Séamurp, 


249 Cus muipip apceac san éeanc le Cloimn éin. 


lonao mo Pean le real a n-Ulíb Laosaine, 

lr cuicm na b-pean “ran cpearp le Rís séamurp, 
muir oo éeacc apceac le Clann éin 

Cné a a-cuimilim bar oom naimaío pín-enecaec, 


aN ceaNaa(. 


T!iaina cuinear aac oocan le poéan oo níoóal' “na óeasaió, 
Fiíonnaó sac conaó, an olann an omille 'pan blác, 

Ní ouime ná oócan aóc cosagó na nice oe anác, 

Cus muileann an Onoicio oo TÍlúimip 'ran eooain “na lámh. 


232. A great many mountains in [reland are called Suighe Finn. Ahove, the 


poet puts the limit as: 


Ón oá Cac ao píionab Sléibe mí. 


233—236. In this stan;a the rivers more closely connected with the estate of 


Eoghan are introduced as a final chorus of grief for the incoming of Maurice with 
Clan Eagar. 


234. Uamn Leim Cuinc, the lake of Torc Waterfall. 
236. Care an lHaoin. “The River Maor or Maire forms part of the 


boundary between Cork and Kerry, and is referred to by Spenser :'— 


“There also was the wide embayed Maire.” 


Fairy (iween, Canto 1t., BE. 1v. 











xxx. | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 209 


Iimplore of Jesus Christ to hear me; 

s3o To remove this sorrow which is on Eoghan for a while; 
To make restitution to him of his property at once 
From Suighe Finn to the borders of Shabh Mis. 


The waters of the Maine, the Laune, the Lee, and Claodach, 

Unite with the streams that depart from the lake of Torc Water- 
fall; 

The Fionn Sruth, the Flesk, and the eurrent of Maor moan 

At the coming in of Maurice with Clan Eagar. 


The fall of the active, truly heroic chieftains, 
By a number of the enemy who were strong and powerfulin deed, 
The laws of the men by whom King James was overthrown, 

s4o Brought in Maurice without right with Clan Hagar. 


Myxy ancestors? abode for a time in Iveleary, 

And the fall of the men in battle with Kine James, 

The coming in of Maurice with Clan Easear, 

Is the reason why 1 stroke with my hand the truly powerful foe. 


THE BINDING. 


Woe to him who sows every evil for the profit that flows from it; 

The proof of every crop is the wool, the leaf, the blossom ; 

It was not one man nor eight, but the war of the kines, that, for 
ever 

Gave the Mill of the Bridge to Maurice and the key i his hand. 





The Fionn Sruth, or Finn Sruth, is perhaps the Finn Abhainn that flows 
through Drishane into the Blackwater, or it may be the Finniky, which flows into 
the Roughty at Kenmare. 

241. This line is of biographical interest: le peal seems to imply that his 
parents were //es living in Iveleary. 

244. cuimilim bap- “I stroke with the hand,” said ironically of satire. 'The 
enemy seems to be Maurice. 

245. Transcript of poem reads man níS cuicíor, which spoils the metre; 
lines 245—246 seem to be semi-proverbial sayings, but they are obscure. 

248. What bridge is meant is uncertain, but probably the reference is to 
Lisnagaun, near Headford, where there is a place still called Old Bridge, which 
had formerly a tucking mill. 

YOL,.. EI. B 


210 


IO 


20 


XXXVI.—The metre of this poem as well as o XXXVII. is deisai4Ae, each line 
of the guatrain consisting of seven syllables, the second and fourth ending with a word 
exceeding in the number of its syllables the words respectively ending the first and 
third ; the first and second lines rhyme together as do the third and fourth ; there is 
freguent alliteration, and a word in the middle of one line generally rhymes with a 
word in the beginning or middle of the next line. Mac Finneen Dubh was a 
branch of the O'Sullivan family. 


oáNca gaoohaaúiN uí RachailLle. [xxxw. 


NACE. 


o0 maé PINNÁIN OuUI1D uí $úiLLeaDáiNn. 


Faoa céro ceiprc an omá, 

Oá m-beaó san é o"apnaáió, 
O"úl Pean, aip oeimin an odál, 
Fean an oimá an iomndó. 


Cuío oo buaoó Pan an om 
beis saé n-aon an iapnaíáió, 
Ceaoc apceac so bpaiáin ain 
O'pean an omiá ní heasal. 


O'pean an oiniá ní huamain— 
Cur eile oá íiolbuaoab— 
óibé a n-oéincean "na óocan 
Ní périroin é o'Polmocao. 


Oo ónum omis ir anma 
4 n-oióneacoc a aéanóa 
Oeimin apceac ao ocíocpa 
Fean omá in oibeanca. 


bann rocain é oon oineac 
ónáec ain pPuo cníoe comaiáeac, 
Ue luaó a óeas-anma as oul, 
Sean-labna puaó i:in reanéóaóo. i 








EXXVT. || THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 211 


XXXVI. 
TO MACFEINNEEN DUBH O'SULLIVAN. 


Far extends the fame of generosity, 
Even if 4t were not anguired about, 
In the knowledge of elders—it is a certainty 
That the generous man is spoken of. 


One part of the generous man's excellence, 
Everyone is seeking him; 

That you will take advantage of him, 

The generous man is not afraid. 


To the generous man it is no cause of fear— 
IO Another of his many privileges— 

What trespass 1s done to him, 

He cannot be emptied out. 


Through generosity and fame 

Into the inhenitance of his patrimony 
Certainly will come 

'The man of generosity and good deeds. 


It is the highest advantage for generosity 
That ever throughout £íoreign regions 
In celebration oí its good name, are going 
so The ancient sayings of learned men and historians. 





3. Perhaps we should read o'úl na pean oeimin an oál. M8. oáil aud 
íiomnaió. 
6. beis. M bíonn; perhaps agó ud for agó n-aon. 
7. ceacs apcedac ain, seems to mean “an advantage over him.” 
io. This line is parenthetical. II. This line seems corrupt. 
2o. rpean-labna. MS. nolabnanió. 


YOL. III. P2 


212 


39 


49 


oáNca aoohaaúáiN uí nachalilLe. 


Sean-nóp aca npniaim noime 
'San cníc-pre póro luóoine, 
'Sé an peaó sac oinpin man Iain, 
Fean an omná an iannaió. 


Com-luae cuise—céim “na na — 
Cn pile, an páió, an ceanbac, 
óaec caob as cpiall an oineac 
Tan aon “ran chan éomumeac. 


Cais an Uaiúóneac leae ain leac 
Cas an Thioeac "ean NWluimneac, 
(1 n-oáil ní oamna cuinpe 

Ea ádáin anma an €eosain-pe. 


Comlua&e ó éeann aac chníce, 
Uucoc psegaoilce pséal coiacníce, 
ódá bpríos a méao oo meaoain, 
((s níom a &éas seinealanaá ? 


Níon elop aoinpean aca-j'an 
([s bheir oinbepe an eosan, 
Ní claon oon céao-naé oo éan, 
(lon oá éaanac ní paseóan. 


Ní euala óaoióeal ná Sall— 

THaic iomcnar an éuing éoininom— 
Eór oo buain béime cun a blao, 
Duaió a péile ní hionanao. 


Thipe péin man agac pean ofob, 
Ní cuaino iona cóin oimmbhíoa, 
To coll ao hiomlán ní pPuil 
óo ool pá iomnáó €oaain. 





[xxxvr. 





24. After line 24 the following stanva is given in A,. :— 


Hí Pinl mo éóTniall cainip-in, 

Thac Finnáimn Own, oneac poilbin, 
bor cnéan scan a n-opoihá oul, 
Fnéam an oimá an aónaob. 


——wiw——-—————n 


xxXXVI. | 


39 


49 


29. The second leaé is omitted in MS., which leaves a syllable wanting. 


THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 


It has been an ancient custom with them up to this time 


'Throughout this region of the land of Iughone, 
And 3t is so all over every district, 
'The generous man is sought out. 


Eaually swift come to him—a high degree in hig good 


fortune— 
'The poet, the seer, the gambler, 
All approach the generous man 
Together with the íoreign train. 


'The Leinsterman comes, side by side 

The Meathman and the Munsterman come, 
Their concourse is no cause of sadness 

At the shout oí the name of this Eoghan. 


Egually switt from the hmats of every district 
Foreign story-tellers flock ; 

What means the greatness of their enjoyment 
As they enumerate his genealogacal branches ? 


No man of them did I hear 

Speaking in reproach of Eoghan. 

It is not a desire for riches he loved ; 
No one is Ííound reproaching him. 


I have not heard Gael or íoreigner— 

Well does he bear the even balance— 

Who ever yet tarnished his fame, 

'The renown of his hospitality is not strange. 


1] too like each one of these— 

It is not a journey which is to be disparaged— 
My wish is not entirely satisfied 

Till I go to social interecourse with Eoghan. 








39. This line is obscure ; does céao-naé mean “riches ”? 
47. Alliteration reguires ní Puil ; MS. ní b-puil. 


214 


so 


6o 


79 


oánNca daoohaasúáin uí neRachalilLe. 


Saoilim nac pPuil oíomóac oe 
(léc náma nó pean peinse; 
ónúir paoiliéú, aan cáil a a-cnoó, 
Dáió sac aoimpan le heosáan. 


Oo éeeannmá pór; beans oá nae, 
C(únm paon nac péioin o'íonnlao, 
Oíol clú oeiá-neaoc ir anáin 

Cpú oo rein-Plhioooc Súilleabáin. 


Ní eéro caiceam “na ólú pain, 
Cn pliocs ainmeac po €oóain, 


(I a-caoi bugó na o-coinbeans o-choimn 


Fuaim a n-oisneacoc a h-alcnom. 


4 n-oimmbpnígs ní oual a óul, 

(ín ceipc oinóeanc-?pa an €osan, 

Cn péile ir rein-neaóc a Pean, 
Oes-Phooc na pnémhne ó b-panl-prean. 


'Sé roinn uaaphb puinn ógoióeal 

Oo ní an c-aimm-pe o'iompagoileaó, 
Reacc píne na pnéime ó bpuil, 
Séime a n-oine oá n-oúoaraá. 


Oineac snábk, :iTr aníom náine, 
Ceannpaóoc, umla, ir aónáine, 
Onuio ne hoinbeanc np ciall cinn 
Cua oióneacc oon Ppaal poill. 


]omóa céim “na o-ea apceac, 
T!ár píon o'Puiáiib na bpialeaó, 
Fean an oimbeansca op cionn cáis 
(I scionn oisneacca o'paoáil. 








55-56. Metre corrupt, and translation doubtful. 


neacrc. 


rein-neaórc : 


[xxxvr. 


MS 


. oéió- 


Mmm——wvwvwvwvwvwvwwvv 


xxXXVI. | 


5c 


6o 


79 


THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 215 


I think that no one is ill-disposed towards him 
Save an enemy or a man of choler; 

A joyous face without desire of wealth, 
Everyone's good will is possessed by Eoghan. 


He purchased besides—a piece of his good fortune— 
A noble name that cannot be assailed, 

Reweard of the fame of good laws and honour, 

The blood of the old race of Suilleabhain. 


Its fame does not wear out, 

That of the renowned race of Eoghan 

In the path of victories of the stern struggles 
Their imhernitance got a4ts nurture. 


It is not its wont to diminish in strength 

This renowned fame of Eoghan— 

Hospitality and the old state of his ancestors, 

The goodly progeny of the stock whence he sprang. 


It is this amongst the nobles of the land of the Gaels 
That spreads this name abroad, 

'The real power of the stock whence he sprung, 

'The gentleness of the race towards their country: 


Constant generosity, with good deeds, 
Friendship, humihty, and modesty, 

An approach to noble actions and wisdom of head 
Gawve imheritance to the strone; hospitable man. 


Many are the steps by which entersa— 
I the words of the poet be true— 
The man of noble deeds above all 

For the obtaining, oí his mhenitance. 





68. préame ; MS. préan. 74. M omits píon. 


216 


86 


go 


IO00 


odáNc4a aoohaaúáiN uí nRachalillte. 


óac bann innme oá b-puain pain, 
Ti ip pPiú a éiall 'ra céaopaió, 
Ní nán man éafé£eg[p a énoó, 
(1 maieeal' mán san mónaó. 


Ní le cnéan cámna a neanc, 
ónár Oé le oul a n-oráneacs 
Fuaim a eoil oo ónuim ooóna 
Ní cuma pain nae po-molsa. 


NMac beanuro na nainn-pe mb 

Ní meapaim, a Tic Tinnáin, 
Réim aan poinneanse, aan polaióo, 
(Ir c'oinbeanc péin puanabain. 


Tlac Pimnaáim Owb oá náó pb 
((cá, ní hinnme a n-apaió ; 
(hm oo Seall ní sainm eile, 

1r peann aimm ná aimáae. 


Dann ain Peancib péile puain 
Cochanó ó các an céao-uain ; 
Coimmlíoncan an élú oo éuin 
Le cnú oinbeanca Cochairó. 


Ón lá pin aup an lá amus 
Ó1bé iona éeann oo euinpedaó, 
Ní óoeacaió céim an a-cúlaib 
Ó pnénn eochaió aon-Púlais. 





leeóae 





82. snár : M8. sanúára, giving an extra syllable. 


84. nae: both A and M read aan beiéó, giving an extra syllable, and spoiling 


alliteration. 


w 


XII. 


so 


9o 


190 


THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 217 


Whatever distinction in honour he has obtained 
His wisdom and judgment have well deserved ; 

H is not dishonourable how he spenas his wealth, 
Great is his goodness without pride. 


Not with human might came his strength 
Which is God's grace to go into his imhentance; 
He obtained has desire through adversity, 

That is not a yoke which is not praisewosthy. 


That, these verses pertain not to thee, 

I do not judge, O Mac Finneen, 

8way without violence or enmity 

By thy own noble deeds thou hast won. 


The name Mac Finneen Dubh is apphed to thee— 
TH is not an empty title— 

For thy pledge no other name ; (?) 

A name is better than chieftainship. 


Supremacy over hospitable men 

Eochaidh obtained at first from all, 

The fame is perpetuated 

Whach the noble deed of Eochaidh gave his race. 


From that day to this day 

W hosoever should add to it, 

Hí did not retreat one step 

From the race of Eochaidh the one-eyed. 


91. níomnm. A an agnm. 93. Feanaib, both MS8. have pin, 
giving only six syllables. 
1Ioo. The legend the poet alludes to is well known. 


218 oánNca daoohaaúiN uí nRachaillLe. [xxxvr. 


XXXVII. 
o0o CORmac mac cC4aRéó4 a85UIRC N4 a8-CLoc. 


(lle, acpuinn nac paicimm, 
Cnóóaócc abiá ananóéill, 

Scuaó slan oinoneac aan oll o'hái: 
Ceapbapr Conmaic mic Canéa. 


óníob oo poileeann a pPéile, 

NMaeain san oúil onoiéiméine, 
Rún aecbaoipe cné álan cáió, 
“sé ir aebaoip oán n-eaonáin. 


(toinleanb na Danba bucune, 

Io Conclan Con na Cnaobnuaóe, 
óníob oeas-énup 3T ceó a o-cneal,, 
((e-augine aleó na n-ano- óleap. 


("éan oo mac éibin Finn, 
Uppa rluns unmase [éióim, 
Laoc íonóuin le h-Opaan oll, 
Doroa íomecun na n-anonann. 


(8 an n-smpae an séas leamna 
NMí b-pull aoibneap oileamna, 
Fun eól an puó céapoa pin 

20 (a oeól cís céapoa an éosció. 





XXXVII.—The Castle of Gortnaglough, which belonged to the Mac Carthys of 
Carbery, stood near where the town of Skibbereenisnow situated. 'This short poem 
is one of several in the same metre composed to honour the bravery of Major Charles 
Mac Carthy of Gortnaglough. In the ““ Blennerhasset Pedigree” we find the 
following :—' O'Brien, third daughter of Julian O'Ryan and MacO0' Brien of 
Duhana (i.e. Arra), married Brian MacSweeny of Dinisky in the county Corke, 
and was ancestor of Major Charles Mac Carthy of Gortnaglough.”” 





XXXVII. | THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 219 


AOCAII 
ON CORMAC MACCARTHY OF GORTNAGLOUGH. 


Beauty, power such as Í see not, 

Bipe restless valour, 

Pure noble chief that grew without hindrance, 
Is the character of Cormac Mac Carthy. 


A gmiffin that conceals his generosity, 

A serpent without desire for evil, 

The beloved of wisdom, pure chaste clay, 
Tt is he who is wisdom for our defence. 


Unigue child of lasting Banba, 

1o Peer of the Hound of the Red Branch, 
Griffin of good desire, the warmest in confliet, 
Noble of battle of the hash feats. 


Such another as the son of Eibhear Fionn, 
Prop of the honoured host of Feidhlim, 
Hero to be compared to great Osgar, 
Bustainine pillar of the bards. 


To the hero with an elm branch 

'There is not nurturine; pastime, 

That tortured champion got wisdom 
20 By sucking the troubled pap of war. 





6. MS. an naéan san oúil a n-onoiíoc-méine, which gives two. extra 
syllables. 7-8. These lines are obscure : eaonáimn — “intercession, defence.” 

I3. méóimn - $ such another as”; M aiéi3n; A arcne, both omit oo. 

I5. 1o0nCóu1in ; M iomcan; A umóan. 

I6. anonann : M and A anonom ; the word may be from anona s a poet 
next in rank to an o//wn/, hence in gen. “a poet.” Ig. eól: MS.ól. an 
rumó: Mapuó; A aruó; aPuó, orpuiú s- “a hero,” but the line is obseure. 


220 oáNca aoohaaúiN uí nRachailte. [xxxvu. 


21 Ua óg na a-Conmac n-ánpaió, 
Slac cumna an éúil óin-eapnaró, 
Geall na o-cnéao aise ain áille, 
óéasa iT Paioe pPíonnsáille. 


coii-CéeanNa4(L. 
Óise ir ané man snéin "na óáníor-ánúció ólúin, 
Cnóóaóoc, cnéine, ainn éacc Con Omibe bua Wp, 
Tónoacsc céille, péile, ir Píon-uaiplte, 
4 s-comain a céile as laoc ón Uaoi, iPÍ cuaimmpa. 


XXXVIII. 


as PRe45R4Ó 4IR ÓOOIRNALL mac. O0ONNÓ4IÓ daUuias 
Na ouI1Le. 


beánnpao píopsaice, seánnPpao irhonna an énápais pmul- 
caine ónéiceancala, 

óásunsa, mullasnus, beanna, bumbnua, ádibea miíoj'- 
aga, réanapac!a; 

Ó áno a mullag “nan sandáéac mucallac, páice, culcaáóce, 
a m-bnéan-eanna, 

5o cnácc a bonnane, bálódaa, bumneacasa, ánpaa, óálu- 
sainia, chnéimha; 





21. Óg comes just before n-ánraió in MS. 

22. an cúil. In an elegy on Justin MacCarthy, Lord Mountcashel, his 
father, is ealled Oonneaó an cúil, and in XXXV. 90, we have c1óeanna 
Tlurcnaáe an cúil buióbe péanlaa. 

I). óim-eapnaió : M oineanólamn, which -— “bright, illustrious.” 

26. Cú Oub - Cuchulainn : cf. XXII. 196. 


XXXVIII.— This is areply toa bitter satire on O'Rahilly by Domhnallna Tuille 
Mac Carthy whose patron was Tadgh an Duna. “That chieftain died in 1696, and 
Mac Carthy wrote an elegy on the occasion. Some time after the sad event 
O'Rahilly visited the loeality, and wrote his poem in praise of Warner (X.) It is 





áigs 


xxxyi, | THE POEMS OE BCAN ORAHILLY. 221 


21 Young oftspring of the aged Cormacs, 
Fragrant rod of the “cul” of precious melody, 
He has the pledge of the flock for beauty, 
A branch of long, fair progeny. 


Tng BrNpiNc. 


Youth and beauty like the sun s in his pure ruddy cheek, 

Valour, strength wondrous like the Black Dog”s who gained Mis, 

Greatness of wisdom, of hospitality, and of true nobility, 

Are all together possessed by the hero from the Lee, it is well 
known. 


NOASNAVUT. 


IN REPLY TO DOMHNALL. SON OF DONOGH, A774A48 
OIR THE EILOO)D)L2 


I will crop closely, I will eut the temples of the knobby, nosy 
vagabond, 

Who is chinky, full of protuberances, elipped, guerulous, mali- 
eious, blhinking, 

From the top of his cliff-head, in which droves of vermin are wont 
to be, covered over, gathered into heaps, in foul lumps, 

To the soles of his feet of large make, full of corns, old, of empty 
noise, searre4. 





perhaps on this occasion that he incurred the wrath of Domhnall na Tuille. After 
the death of his patron, Domhnall, it is said, betook himself to a place ealled Cool- 
nasnaghty on the east side of the Bandon niver, opposite to the Tocher, and there, 
from a rocky eminence, never tired of feasting his eyes on that beloved vale. 

When he lay on his death-bed, the priest who attended him told him he should 
never more behold the Tocher. When the priest had left, determined to falsify the 
prophecy, Domhnall rose from his bed, and, weak as he was, cerawled to his favourite 
rock, whence he could behold it once more, and having taken one last look at the 
deserted vale expired. On the spot where he died, there is a heap of stones still 
póinted out called “Leacht Dhomhnaill na Tuille.” Every visitor inereases it by 
a stone. “This poem suffers severe]ly from any attempt at translation. 


222 


20 


oáNc4a aoohaaúáiN uí nRachailUe. [xxxwn. 


Scolpao an psnaca, locanéa, oealb, cnoroa, na nanna so 
léin-aoncoa ; 

Follane sancsaé, cnoécaine cleapac, sanosane measa, 
péire slusain; 

Sonane pnamac, noéaine naéa, cneacaine scana, an 
bnéaacine, 

Slosane pmeanéa, seannaceac seannac, Plosear na 
h-ailpe a a-cnaop-áoile. 


Cneimmnmpeao cnoisée an ólaióine éme, ip laáanac bpipce 
cnéacsuióce. 

Ir ain a oóá onuaó-ráil ain a m-bío puacocáin, polla asul' 
cuaT?áin spníoracióce ; 

lnane piana ninneaó oon ianann, colm asur cha oá 
méanannaib ; 

Fé na oá lonaan lóincee, bnpeiáce, paólca, paniopseaiáce, 
móin-Trainee. 


Oao:í san eólur, rpronaoille an eónoa, cníon-sar oóisce ó 
éaob Dappa; 

Fugalán poáalac, peuacan súnaac, cluap-áno cam, np léan- 
aimio ; 

Dríocane an concáin, onúnane an bocáin, paubile 
poncán seun-amuip; 

Cannacán aeanbac, ceinceacán pnaéanac, amlán aéipeac, 
rtaoo áalai. 


CC psónnac pagoilear' cóinre aaoice bneóóap na mílce a 
n-oaon-pbeannuino, 

C conablac aoiniceac ó ófé bnoprcanuil, óneóóáap a ecosanpac 
cnaop-sanb; 

(Ir é rúo Oomnall, puaé na a-comanpan puaio agn cneóin 
ain aon ail'ce, 

Clé-mac Oonéaóa blaopsadia mosallac éaoman óoióéilla 
cnéic-capa. 





xxxvt.]| THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 223 


I will tear the ragged wretch, who is planed, poor, vicious, all 
wounded into bats. 

The starving miser, the hangman trickster, the powerless cripple, 
the serpent oí empty noise ; ' 

A stammerer with running eyes, a Íugative vagabond, a gaun 
Íreebooter, is the har, 


A greasy swallower, a greedy glutton, who swallows the lumps 


into his greedy maw. 


I will gnaw the feet of the villain caitiít, branching, broken, 
wounded, 

And on his two hard heels on which chilblains are wont to be, are 
holes and scorched cawvities. 

Crooked nails made of iron, the hard covering and stem of his 
fingers, 

Beneath his two shanks, sprained, bruised, sealded, bared, far 
asunder. 


An ignorant clown, a stroller deserwing of the gallows, an old 
burned stalk, from Barry s country. 

A plundering wretch, an ill-shaped booby crooked, of tall ears, and 
a very Íool. 

A pincher of the pot, a fiddler about the cabin, a fragment, a erab- 
fish of Keen onset. 

A scabby wretch, a ragged yoke-bearer, a shameful simpleton, a 
heap of diseases. 


His throat emits a storm of wind which sickens thousands into 
dire pain, 

His fretful carcass, through defect of chewing, rots his coarse, 
voracious tooth-jaws ; 

Domhnall is he, the hated by the neighbours, a remnant without 
vigour in a single poem, 


ao Simister son of Donogh, large-skulled, husky, jealous, churlish, 


ncerveless. 


224 


39 


odáNc4a dcoohaaúiN uí RachailLe. —[xxsix. 


Cnansca an psnoicín, cnanoa, caip-éníon, cam na 
s-coimn!ol onéipra alluip, 

TRonaac, míllceac, cleapac, nimneac, caooac, bnuisneac, 
baoc-measa, 

(un óealb an monacaoi ain eioil nuair iméia, o'eini8 nó oo 
pié cní óéaob balla; 

Nó le pnancaa a mé an claupcna i? cóin “na oeabag as 
cnéan-ceacaib. 


'Filíóe na lluman cuinó-]a cuncnaóéc ain an a-cnunaa 
buióe-enoicinn ; 

Deolcán báinoín óoinca Paoi eáncuíóe, 1 ePollur sun 
báimauaáe praníob onmnn ; 

Ní cmbe o'éaspe céoióce an éirceaoc laoi ó béal nán pním 
comenÍnom, 

lr náineac o'uaiplib ál-auine uaibmeé a óán na a óuain oo 
rsníob-molaóo. 


com-CeaNaa(. 


Follaine oealb, bocc, anacnac, séasán cníon— 
Cnoeaie sancac na pnairee na beul nac cnuinn, 
ónosmhne neaogap a canaio ain bléin oub buióe, 

Cus norsa oá éeanacun a aan Pioj' ain (Íoóasán Fínn. 


XXXIX. 


4N bás. 


(O1Ssallam ioin (foohasán Ua Rachaile agu Sasanc.) 


aoohaaán. 


éÉaspaió Seoinpí món-po áno-nfá asuinn, 
lr éasraió Seoinp: ó bóno na lTláisáe míne, 
éaspraó ón “par bnón oá páirte pin, 
Ééaspai Seon bóinn ir Cáic Scíbin, 


xoocapcóil] THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 225 


39 


The head of the lean creature, is withered, twisted with age, 
crooked, with candles of greasy sweat (?), 

Hairy, destructive, tricky, venomous, contentious, ítond of fighting, 
spent in folly, 

In the shape of a monkey, when he took to flight he rose, or ran 
through the side of a wall, 

Or hke a rat running towards an enclosure (?), pursued by strong 
cats. 


Ye poets of Munster, ban ye this decrepid wretch, of yellow 
skin, 

A noisy little bard, who spills his rubbish on papers (?), it is plain 
that 4t is madness that he has written against me, 

It is not proper Íor the learned ever to listen to a poem from a 
mouth that never spun an even lay, 

It is a shame for nobles of the fair proud land to wnte praise of 
his poems or his verse. 


TnE£g BINpINc. 


A poor, empty, awkward miser, a withered branchlet, 

Starved haneman of porridge in a mouth unwise, 

An ill-shaped wretch, who would sell his Kkinsíolk for a blaek 
yellow hag, 

It was he who made unawares an attack with his tongue on Eean 
the Fair. 


TA ACEX: 


DEATH. 


(A DIAL0GUE BETWEEN ÉAN O'RAHILLY AND A PRIEST.) 
Eeas. 
Great George, our high king, will die; 
And George, from the banks of the gentle Mague, will die; 
Mór will die, and her children will rue 1t; 


John Bowen and Kate Stephen will dae. 
YOL. HI. e 


226 


IO 


20 


oúNca doohaadáinN uí nachailLle. —[xxsrx. 


anN saaanr. 


Fóil a Pale, ain mne ná bí-pe cnáéc, 

lr ná cabain bneis aonnape ain Ppuinmn 3p. Píon- 
maic cáil, 

Thúá cá so bpuiio peal inneall na paoice ain lán, 

Ní cóin a éuiapinc :iao uile beié claoióce a n-án. 


aoohaadu. 


Éaspaó an c-eae cé paoa leaban a Paubal, 
éÉaspaó an éeairc an laéa an peabac 'T an colún, 
Éaspaó an pean an bean an ólann 'T a a-elú, 

lr éaspraó an rasanc rearsamn Iiannsaé úo. 


an saaanc. 


CI Coohasáin cóin oo imni? paeól pá bnía óúinn, 

Ó éaspaó an c-ós an nór na mná cnpíona, 

Cá naéabcan leó? nó "bpul alóine ón áno-piá aca? 
Nó a bpéin ao oeo beió Seon ip Cáic Scíbin ? 


acoohaadáun. 


Lucc pump I:T beónac o'ól aip praáno Píonca, 

'S oo ání cnaopm acé ló so naobaó páirp aoine, 
Tá 'Tí an álóine áeobaio man bánn oíolca ann, 
Ní'l baosal so oeó an Seon ná ain Cáic Scíbin. 


an sa54R[c. 


Fóil a óuine ná h-imeiá an c-rháe comaain, 

'S so bpunl Jones ip Gabbons "na o-ciácib ao píceoilce, 
O'ólaó cuille asgup íomao oon Píon énóóa, 

óun preíall a a-cnoióce le mne na caoin-beónaó. 





a-a-oip.Ail| THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 2247 


20 


Tag PnpRrirsr. 


Stay, O poet, nor be mad for a season ; 

Nor judge without consideration persons of truly good repute; 

Though the strongholds of the nobles be for the time pulled 
down, 

It is not just to infer that they are all worsted in the conflict. 


Ecan. 


'The horse will die, though long and free his stride ; 

The hen, the duck, the hawk, the dove will dhe; 

The man, the woman, the children, and their fame will due; 
And that comfortable, eovetous priest will dae. 


Tag PnRrgsc. 


O honest Egan, who has told us a meaning tale, 

Since the young child will die, no less than the aged woman, 

Whither do they go ? Are they in glory with the High King ? 

Or will John Bowen and Kate Stephen be in never-ending 
torments ? 


Ecan. 


'Those who drink punch, and eo, and wines, even to vomiting, 

And daily yweld to intemperance, and to the breaking of Friday”s 
fast, 

H these obtain glory, as a rewagd íor these things, 

Then John Bowen and Kate Stephen need never fear. 


TaEg PnRrgsr. 


Stay, O man, go not the near way 3; 
See Jones and Gabbons in peace and happiness in their dwellings, 
Who would drink more than too much of the strong wine, 


So that their hcarts were excited by the fury of the pleasant 
eoir. 


9 2 


298 oáNc4a aoohasúiN uí nRachallle. [xr.-xrn. 


belbE 
aN c-0NFP00. 
(blúinpe.) 


Oob éaanac iminc na cuile ne oaon-nuaéan, 

Tiléao na coinne ne Puinnedó na saoé auainnein, 
Caob na loinse 'ra pPuinionn ain cneun-luapagó, 

ds éiseaó as scuicimm &o sninmol aan oáil pPuapadile. 


XLI. 


o' PeaR OoaR Ú'aaNIm SIONÁNC4C. 


Uipsae ar bainne má álacarp ón Síonnánac, 

Tr lem? soile-pí aan maíonn ao n-oeacaió ao ríoccánca— 
Oan muine na b-plaiéeap le n-oeacap-pa caoin-páinceac, 
Le shosaine an óálasai ní nacaió mo óíosbáil-pn. 


III 


4IR COILeaCc 00 50106400 Ó S$a4a4aRC mai. 


Whereas (tonagarp, páiceipce, 

Sasanc cnáibeeac, cníorcaiáceac, 
Oo eéáimna anius am láiéin-pe, 

Le seanán cáip IT Ppíninne: 


óun éeannuia coileac áino-Pleaccac, 
Oá ceancab pnáioe ip cíoa-baile, 

Daó bneáaea psaneaop im blácmaipe, 
lr baic le paáil sac líon-oasa ; 





xL-—xuii.s]| — THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 229 


DJ, 
THE STORM. 
(A EnRaGMExrnT.) 


Pitaful the playing of the flood with dire destruction ! 

Great the bulk of the waves, through the fury of the whirlwinde ! 
'The ship s side and her crew were roeked mightialy, 

Screaming as they sank to the bottom without obtaining relief! 


IeIúI: 


ON A MAN WHOSE NAME WAS SYNAN. 


Water and milk if [ have got milk from Synan, 

And that 14t agreed peacefully with my stomach in the morning, 
By Mary of Heaven, with whom I am on terms of fair love, 
The babbler of prattle shall not do me harm. 


eIUHE 


ON A COCK WHICH WASSTOLEN FROM A GOOD PRIEST.. 


Whereas Aongus, the philosophic, 
A pious rehgaous priest, 
Came to-day into our presence, 
Making his complaint, and avouchine : 


That he bought a coek of high pedigree 
For his town and manor hens ; 

Whose crow and whose bloom of beauty were of the rarest, 
And whose neek was bright with every full colour; 


230 


IO 


20 


39 


odNc4 aoohaaúiN uí nRachailLe. 


Cuas re caosao mín-paillimn 
(ún an éan oob aoibinn cúilbpnaíce, 
óun prsaiub ríobnaó onaoióeacsa é 
Ó aonac óinn na oúóaise po. 


Daó aábaóo oá Pamuil o'áinace 
Coileac paneaouáaée, ip oúipeíiáce 

Oo beié oá Phaineaó an P'áim-éoólaó 
(n-am aac earppuinc únnuáóákée. 


TI ónouadaó óíb, an c-áóban pin, 
(t báilnóáe pcáic mo éúine-pe, 

Oéimmó cuanouágaó áano-P'lhóceac, 
(T pin le oíosnair oúcnacca ; 


Ná páabuó lop na ríoé-énocán, 

Tna a-cluinpíópaib salón ná sliosunnáil, 
ógdn oul a n-ord an c-Píos-eonáin, 

Oo pinn” an sníoim le plunoanáil. 


Wheresoever cuampeacán 
lona bpasaió ab an conpacán, 
Cusuíó éusam-pa é ain nuainnpeacán, 
óo a-cnocao é man oneóilliocán, 


For your so doing, o'oirbliosáro, 
((s ro uam o3b bun n-uáoanár, 
Tan paríobar mo lám le cleicíocán, 
Cn lá ro o'aoir an uaccanáin, 


[xru. 


oca ah airs — 


XLII. | 


10 


20 


39 


THE POEMS OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 231 


He gave fitty fair shillines 
For this bird of comehest comh : 
But a sprite, of druidical power, 
Stole it from the fair of the county town. 


One like him, indeed, much reguires 
A ceock that crows and wakens, 

To watch and keep him from soft slumber 
In the time of vesper devotions. 


For this reason Í command you, 
Ye state bailfts of my court, 
Search ye the highways, 
And do it with ;eal and earnestness; 


Do not leave a (íos or a fairy hallock, 
In which you hear noise or eackling, 

Without searching for the fairy urchin, 
Who did the deed through plunder. 


Wheresoever, in whatever hiding-place, 
Ye find the httle crab, 

Brine him to me by a slender hair, 
That I may hang him as a silly oaf. 


For your so doine, as is due, 
We hereby give you authority ; 
Given under or hand with a guillet 
This day of our era. 


232 SeaN-CuihNe aoohdaaúiN uí nRachalllUe. [xum. 


SIDIUUE, 


seaN-CulinhNe aoohaaúin uí nRachailllte. 


Dí bile bneás buaóac slap-seásae as páT ó na cancoib, 
láim le ceall noc a cneaóaó le Cnomuell claon, op cionn cobain 
cuilce le puan-umpse Ppíonn, an Peanann Póo-óálar noc. naob 
nopane mimupoin ó óuine uapal oo ólannaib óaoóal, noc a 
numasegó can na painnaíóe pPiaóana amac cní Peill asup ní le 
pgoban claiómhe. Duó mai lep an m-bnoimn-monpn, m-bola- 
prcocaó mimipoin malluóace peo seus óálar leabain oen ónann 
oo áeannaó éum rcniíolcáin c1óe oo óéanam oe, Mí banpeas 
aon oe na Taondib cnann, nó oo lucs oibne pp an sen 
álumn, óin buó poaíamac a paáé “ag bpolac an can oo bíoip as 
caoineaó so cnáióce seun pá na naciPa101b alé-seala noc a 
bí rínce pá an bpóo. ““óeánnpao-pa é,” an cnoécaine cam- 
corac lom-loinsneac mic oo bí as an mmipoin méis peo, 
“ (lsup pasaió cuas óam oo láeéain.” 

Oo cugió an prpalpaine plaoo-ciallae puap, ain an a-cenann 
man cac aa TIseinn, as ceiceaó ó conainc agóan, sun éánla óá 
séasán as pár cnapna a céile aan. Oo éua ré iannaóc a a-cunÍ 
ó céile le neanc a ompleanaib, aun bneabaoan ap. a lámaib le 





NXLIII.—Ina MS. in the Royal Irish Academy (23 G., 21), the title of the 
stan;as about the tree is given as follows :— 

(un paóáil Saopanac éiaim cnocoa ar óénann a a-coil óill abanne. 

“On finding some Protestant (or Englishman) hanging from a tree in the 
wood of Killarney.” 


The last word is misspelled, but no doubt it is Killarney that is meant. 
lf we accept the deseription given of the place as aceurate, it is probable that the 
tree in guestion is none other than the venerable yew tree which grows in the 
miadle of the cloister of Muckross Abbey, or, as our poet elsewhere ealls it, 
“ Mainistir Locha Léin.” “There is no doubt that the Mainistir has ever been 
regarded with peculiar veneration by the natives, so many generations of 





xLiiIL]| AA REMINISCENCE OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 233 


éI II 
A REMINISCENCE OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 


A beautiful, precious, green-boughed tree had been growing fÍor ages 
beside a church which the wicked Cromwell had despoiled, above a 
well overflowing with cold bright water on a green-swarde4 plain, 
which a rapacious minister had torn from a nobleman of the Gaels, 
who was sent over the wild raging sea through treachery and not at 
the edge of the sword. “This lubberly, stocking-stomached, wicked 
minister was desirous to cut down a green, limber hmb of this 
tree to make house furniture of it. But none of the carpenters or 
other workmen would meddle with the beautiful bough, since 
it lent them a lovely shade to hide them while they mourned in 
heart-broken sorrow over their fair champions who lay beneath the 
sod. “I will eut it down,” exelaime4 a gawky, bandy-legged, thin- 
thighed son of this sleek minister's, ““and get a hatchet for me at 
once.” 

The thick-witted churl climbed up the tree, as a cat steals up 
when fleeing from a cry of hounds, and reached a point where two 
small branches crosed one another. He tned to separate them 
by the strength of his arms; but, in the twinkling of an eye, they 





whom are buried beside it: and the yew tree that overshadows their graves 
is itselÉ looked upon as almost sacred. There seems no doubt that the yew 
tree is as old as the abbey itself, and many are the legends concerning it that 
are widely circulated. It was long regarded as impious to touch a leaf or branch 
ofthis tree ; and if we believe the legends, all such desecrations have been visited with 
signal vengeance. See oneofthese legends in “Ireland: its Scenery and Antiguities,”” 
pp. 23 ef seg. Im view of this mass of popular tradition, the story here recorded is 
anite intelligible, but still there is a heartlessness about some of the details that 
makes one suspect that many of them have been invented. “The story as given 
here is taken from O'Kearney's M8. in the Royal Irish Academy. I have not seen 
any other version ofitin thisíorm, “There is no well in the neighbourhood of this 
tree; but the well and other details are probably invented by the writer. 


234 SedaN-CuiiNHe aoohaaúiN uí nachallle. [xvm. 


pnab na púl cappa a céile anír, as bneie am a bfb agup asa 
Cpocaó so h-áno on aoóan ar iPníonn. Cnnpm a bí an 
mnapaé Sarranaa as cnaégaó a Co? le nmnace an óaio, asur é 
?na Pearam dain “nothing.” (Alaur a óub-haga ceansan amaco 
Pao baca as magsdgó paoi na aéain. 

Oo psneao ap oo béic an mmipoin man muic a mala nó man 
S5éaó a nsaneimm paoi óáeaca (ní nán b” ionanaó) pao a bí an 
locc oibne as paááil onéimimnóe éum é áeannaó anug[.. Oo bí 
Coóasán Ua Raécdlle ó Shab Uuaéna na laoénaó ann as 
peicíom ain énocaine na cnáibe, agsur oo can an laoió preo — 


“1]1p mai oo éonaó a énaimn, 
Rae oo éonaró an agó aon énaoib, 
To cneac ! san cnamn Inm Páil 
Uán ooo' éonaó saé aon 1a.” 


“ What is the poor wild Irish devil saying?” an an minipoin. 

“ He is lamentine your darling son,” an smae bí lann leip. 

“ Here is two pence íor you to buy tobacco,” an an méicbnoc 
mimilone. 

“ Thank "ee, a mimpoin an lic Tlallaccaim ” (;.e. an oiabal), 
an Ctoóaaán, apT oo éan an laoió :— 


“hunú, a mimpoin a éua oo óá Ppinainn oam 
4 o-caob oo leinb a caoinedaó ! 
Oioe an leinb pin ain an a-cuio eile aca 
Sian so heanball cimeaoll,” 


XLIII. | A REMINISCENCE OF EGAN O'RAHILLY. 235 


slipped from his grasp, and closing on his neck held him suspended 
high between heaven and hell. Then was the contfounded Sassenach 
dangling his feet in the dance of the bough, while he stood on 
é“ nothing,” and his black-bladed tongue protruded a stick's length, 
as if in mockery of his father. 

The minister secreamed and bawled like a pig in a bag or as a 
goose gripped beneath a gate (and no wonder) while the workmen 
were getting ladders to take him down. Egan O'Rahilly írom Sliabh 
Luachra of the heroes was present, attending on the villain of the 
hemp, and he chanted this song :— 


““ Good is thy truit, Ó tree, 
May every branch bear such good fruit. 
Alas ! that the trees of Innisfail 
Are not full of thy fruit each day.” 


“What is the poor wild Irish devil saying ?”” said the minister. 

“He is lamenting your darling son,” replied a wag who stood 
beside him. 

“ Here is two pence for you to buy tobacco,” said the sleek badger 
of a minister. 

é“ Thank "ee, Minister of the Son of Malediction ” (7. e. the devil), 
rephed Egan ; and he chanted this ode — 


é“ Huroo ! O minister, who didst give me thy two pence 
For chanting a lament íor thy child ; 
May the fate of this child attend the rest of them 
Back to the tail and all round.” 


236 CUAaNN comúáis. [xriy, 


DeILIE 


CUaNN comúáis. 
(Cóaca ap “ éaccna Cloimne Comáip.”) 


Clr í pm cnáé asup ampan. éáima Dáonaas so h-éinnn ag 
ríolcun cnábairó asup cneíom. ... ,. Ro éíonóil Dáonaa naoim 
asurl' raoiée Éirionn. oum aon. baill, agup, ar í comainle oo 
pnónrao, na heaccan-éinéil agup na hil-einéil oiablúióe uile oo 
oíocóun ar Éinimn acc Comáp amáin. Níon b'Péioim an cneioíom 
oo ceanaal le Comár—daumhail ir oeanbéa ag a Plioec aup anoiu, 
Óin ní péioin ceasa]'a Cníorodióáe ná móó paoironeac ná aicne 
j'acnaimeince oo múnaó óóib— agup, óin nán b'péion, ap ago po 
Pdáabála asup seapa oo Ppásab ]J)áonaa as Comár aagup as a 
Tuocc 4. buaó lopoacca luoanéacca asup, lán-míocapa ; bugaó 
béicióe, bnhunóne, bhnéise, buailce, asur bacanála. (up ao 
m-baó é buó biaó óóib péiceaca cínn asurn copa na m-beacaoóac 
n-éisciallaióe, pPuil asup Pollnaec asup íonaéan na n-ainináóe 
eile asup Pór so m-baó é bup anán asup annlann oóib 4. anán 
amh aimbpaopac eónna, asup pnaireaóa phíomThaimlta pnacáil, au 
bun-baimne agsup bnéin-fm con-nmnbeac cuap-áonm saban asup 
caonac; asu?' so mbdaó é bup' ceól asur aapaoe oóib a. panéacac 
asur sol-aánéa ccoilleac, aánlae, agsu con-haonaóa, agsu 
snaipPinne ceanc, muc, asup míonnán ; . ... san sndó. as neao 
aca oá céile; asur, a m-bnhís asur, a m-beaca oo éaiceaim le 
Taocan asul' le cneabaineacc agsu? le conna, oo éoéuóáao an 
aol'a uaT?ail, epá iolcuacaib na a-cníoc ; asur an cuio ap pPeánn 
od a-C€u10 lóin oo. éa?rsaegó, agsu] oo éoimeáo. pá cómain cáio ; 
asu]' pór, an cé oo óéanpaó mais agsu? món-copnain póib, ao 
m-baó é buó luáa onna, asupr an cé oo buailpeaó agsugl' bo 





NXLIV.— This and the two following pieces are taken from O'Rahilly 's fierce 


Sn mi. 


CL La SR NIOR Bh ANNNHNENRE coim im: mhar 


XLIY. | CLAN THOMAS. 257 


IÚIV. 


CLAN THOMAS. 
(TAgEN FROM ““ EACHTRA CHLOINNE THoMÁIS.”) 


'Tnirs was the time and season in which Patrick came to Erin, to sow 
the seed of piety and faith. . . . Patrick assembled the saints and 
wise men of Emin to one place ; and the resolution they came to was, 
to banish all the foreign races and the dhabohical races out of Erin 
except Thomas alone. It was impossible to give the faith to Thomas— 
as is evident in his progeny to this day—since 1t as impossible to teach 
them the catechism, or the manner of confession, or the knowledge of 
the sacraments; and since that was impossible, these are the beguests and 
restrictions that Patrick left to Thomas and his descendants: superiority 
in sloth, in slovenliness, in awkwardness ; superiorty in screamine, 
in fighting, in lying, in beatine, and in club-fightine; and their food 
was to be the sinews, the heads, and the lees of the brute beasts; the 
blood and gore and entrails of the other animals, and also thear bread 
and sauce were to be strange bread of barley and primitive porridge 
of oatmeal, skim-milk, and ranceid butter oí goats and sheep, inter- 
spersed with hairs of hounds, and with blue interstices; and their music 
and melody were to be the screaming and the crying of old women, 
children, and dog-hounas, and the noise of hens, of pies, and of kids; 

. while none of them should love the other; and they were to 
spend their vigour and their lives in labour and ploughing, and in 
attendance, to support the nobles in the various districts of the lands ; 
and they were to save and keep the best of their food íor others; and 
also whoever should do good to them and defend them greatly, him 
they should dislike the most; and whoever should strike them and 











satire ““ Eachtra Chloinne Thomais.” “They are given here as speceimens o£ his 
prose style and of his satirical genius. 


238 au CLeainN48. [srv. 


éaicpeaó asur oo éannpaó ao ao m-baó é bup, annpa leó amal 
aoein an pile— 


Rustica gens est optima ílens et pessima gaudens, 
Ungentem pungit, pungentem rusticus ungit. 


Oo easéeaoan an Clann pan Comáin asup a rhoóc oá n-eir 
a n-aiemiin ao rúsagac To-beacaisce amail ooónoas Dáonais oóib, 
óÓin níon éleaccaoan biaóa paona To-éaióome, ná oeoca mipe 
meirseamla, ná éaogdóe slana oacamla, acc léinceaoca. eap- 
scaoinceaóa, eal'cancaiá, agsu? rlac-cósaóa plíme pnáio-neamhna 
oo bnéan-ólúm pocán asup aimmnaáóce eile, asur bnhósa bnéana 
úinp-leacain agsu, binéio pagna pao-éluapaca san éuma san 
€eancuágaó, asuTr úinéeíonna maola meinseaca míraiamaóa ; agsu 
1840, man o'ónodis Dánodía oóib, ag epane asur as eósnai, as 
cneabaineacrs agsupr as bnmnaoaóace oo mhaic1b na a-cníoc le 
néimior, saéa. nís le h-aimpan mhéan as oineamuimn oon neaces 
níosóa amail baó óleacc oóib. 


CILV 


4N CLeailN48. 
(Cóséa ap “ éaccna Cloinne Comáip.”) 


Oo bí caoireac oo óeánranas oo na cimeaóaib pin. oo 
Fíoléans ó Comáp a. muneaó Taoleluapac Ua WlulcuapaÓnc, 
asur aT é baile iona n-aicneabaó an. Wluneaóo pin a a-Cluain 
mac Móir, asup ne línn Péirólimme a éabaince a euanoa cmóeiaoll na 
h-Ééipionn, o'hár rpaobneap aóbal-món mp an hluneaó pain, asup 
oo éuin an pean pin ceacca pá ceióne h-ollcóiaab éimnonn oo 
c1ionól sac a naib oo. lucs eólap, asur usaoanáir, an Claimn 
Comáip, so Cluain mc Nóip. Cánsaaoan ao h-áic aon baile 
asur' oo peanaó páilce ó lilunéaó neompa aaup ar é aoubainc: 
“ (t bnháiaéne ionmuine,” an pé, “cap, uime oo éuineal péin píol 
onnab éum comainle oo éabaine oam cia an bean oíonamála 
oo béanpaimn, óin ip méóio oam-pa bean oo éabainc i:an n-éas 





XIY. | THE MATCH. 559 


beat them violently, him they should love the most, as the poet 
says :'— 


The rustic race is best when weeping, and worst when rejoicing ; 
The rustic stabs him who anoints him, and anoints him who stabs 
him. 


Clan Thomas, and their progeny after them, passed their time 
merrily, and with good cheer, as Patrick ordained for them, íor 
they did not use luxurious savoury food, or sweet, intoxicating 
beverages, or clean, beautiful clothes, but rough shirts of tow, and 
thin thick-threaded rod-coats of the putrid hair of the he-goats and 
other animals, and putrid boots of fresh leather, and crooked long- 
eared caps without Íorm or shape, and pointless, unsightly, rusty clogs, 
while, as Patrick ordered them, they waited on, and served and 
ploughed and harrowed f£or the nobles of the country during the reign 
oÍ every King from time immemornial, obeyine the kingly laws as was 
their duty. 


XLV. 


THE MATCH. 
(TAKEN FROM “EACHTRA CHLOINNE THOMÁIS.”) 


THERE was a chieftain who was distinguished among those races that 
sprang from Thomas, namely Murchadh Maolchluasach O Multuasgaint, 
and the town in which this Murchadh hved was Clonmacnoise. And 
when Feidhlim was making the round of Erin, exceeding great riches 
grew to this Murchadh ; and this man sent messengers to the four 
great provinces of Erin to assemble all that were learned, or had 
authority, of Clan Thomas to Clonmacnois. “They came to one place, 
and Murchadh bade them welcome, and spoke thus :—': My dear 
kinsmen,” he said, “the reason why I sent íor you is that you may 
advise me what worthy woman I may take to wife, for 4t is time for 
me to take a wife aíter the death of my spouse. “There is a noble 


940 mNH cLeaiiN48. | xLv. 


mo bain-céile, asurp acá caoirpeac amna a a-cúise áluinn 
Connaóoc 4. IWlasnur Ua Wlaoagsáin, asup ní beag lann a pao 
acámaoío san án bpuil o'úuaipliágó, agsu rmn pá óaoinpe as 
pósnan oo cdáóé gur dano. (ur acá áíon áluinn ag an 
Thaaonurp pin, asur cmnpeao-?a, lé bun. a-comainle, ceacca. oá 
haannaó pon a h-aéódin.” CCoubnaoan các uile aun ólic asupr 
sun céilióe an pmuainedó pin an a o-cáimia, aoul' sun cóin pin 
oo óéanaim, asul' ar i4go To oneam oo cuineaó ann i. ceacnan 
Pilióe pallpamance píon-álc nó-Poslama oo Cloimn Comáirp, 
man acá IlWRaésáamuin INlón, Deannano Dnoimnn-neaman, Conéu- 
ban Cnom-ceeannae asupr Miall O Meanncanáin. Oo. áabaoan 
an a s-ceann, asul' aoubainc Miíall an laoió so h-ealaóanca 
annTo — 

Slán asao a lWlunceaó lóin, 

4 cínn comainle an plub ó phb, 

4T iomóa ao” óún pónaie, oinnéir, 

Fuil, coincéir i? ainosnam sa. 


Slán o'pPuinimn na sa-connán naégdh, 
O”iéeaó bnuóc le bugmpéip, 

Ná bíoó oian oún onanncánao; 
ónuamóa sanb-pálac ná séan. 


Slán oo Dman ó bDnaolláin fuoinc, 
Fean cénónáinn a a-cluair a mic, 
Slán oo Tiunnan ar po 1Tleiób, 
Nán pníe a raimnc gaT nán :ié min. 


Tho Plán ouic a beannáino buinb, 

'S a Loólainn óuinm, nán óneim cnáin 
Cn onona slc nán óéaironéireac 
Sluaó amléipreac na a-cnoip lán. 


Oo mol Wlunóaó agsumr uile an eeana an oán pin, agsu 
c€usaoan muincean aguj]' maiée a éeaslais míonna agsul' móin- 
bníacna naé oeannaó niaim noimhe pin a éom-maié pin o'éisle 
ná o'ealaóan “ran ooiman, an milpeacc an. bimmaop ná an Puain- 
cíor. sur éáimi8 pean Píneólac posálamea Clomne Comdáip 
oo láéain a. Dhian O Dlunaaroe, asup, baó món cpna piíorl, pPos- 
luim, asup Ppín-eólaí an pin mm, asul' acoubainc aupnab é pníoin- 








xrv.] THE MATCH. 941 


chieftain in the beautiful province of Connaught, that is Maghnus 
O Madagáin ; and we deem that we have been too long without 
ennobling our blood, being in slavery, serving others unto this day; and 
this Maghnus has a beautiful daughter, and I will send messengers 
with your advice to ask her of her father.” All said that it was a 
clever and sensible idea that he had hit upon ; and that it was proper 
to carry it out. And these are the persons that were sent, namely 
four philosophic, truly clever, very learned poets of Clan Thomas: 
that is, Mahon Mór, Bearnard Stout-stomach ; Conchubhar Stoopine- 
head, and Niall O Neanntanáin. They went on their way, and Niall 
spoke this lay learnedly as follows :— 


Farewell to thee, O great Murchadh, 

'Thou counselline; head of the plub o phhb, 
Much tackline and beans in thy stronghold, 
Blood, grandeur, and rattle o£ bells (?). 


Farewell to the band of the sharp reaping-hooks, 
Who would eat refuse through ear-reaping, (?) 
That was not severe, stubborn, grumbling, 
Gloomy, rough-heeled, or batter. 


Farewell to Brian O'Briolláin the joyous, 

A man who sines €?onan in the ear of his son, 
Farewell to Morrian and to Meadhbh, 

Who were not íound avaricious, and who ate not meal. 


My farewell to thee, O proud Bernard, 

And thee, too, blue Lochlann, who didst not gnaw bones, 
The wise band, not incoherent in wopds, 

The clumsy host of the full gardles. 


Murchadh, and all besides, praised this poem ; and the people and 
nob]les of his house vowed and swore that there never before was 
composed in the world a poem or composition so good as that, in 
sweetness, in harmony, and in humour. And a truly knowing, 
learned man, of Clan Thomais, came before them; that is, Brian 
O'Blungaide ; and great, indeed, was the knowledge, learning, and 
true wisdom of this man ; and he said that it was the chief o//enA of 


VOL. HI, R 


242 4N CLeaimN48s. [xrv. 


olla ánonís Éimionn oo éeéao-cúm an aipoe pin, asum iP món 
oo molaó man oo haaóagó an oán pi, asur arpé anm éóua 
bman uinée 4. Ceacnama na cóna. 

GÓluaipo an onona pran neompa a n-ofneaé agéóa conaine 
asur saéa caoim-eólair, nó ao nánagoan láin ne Ceapaa an 
dhán, asup bo Dealnaéce na Dláicióe nó na. m-Daiósainóe, 
asur oo beanna Claoióe na IReacán, asur oo Ráé na 
Pnairae, asur oo Duaileín an Dóname, asur oo Cúil na ime, 
asur' oo Uior na nóanbán, asup oo Caom-áic an Snáinma, asur 
nánsgoan neompa baó óud1ó oo leiéimiol Tilacaane Connaoc nó 
so nánsaoan a lÍlasnain Uí IRaóasáin, asur an m-beié óóib 
as nóroáil so naman-bnósac an pPaecce an oúna, óáima 
T!Haonup iona 8s-comóáil, asgur, Piapeniaáío?. oíob eia h-iao péin 
asurm cnéao cus ao no cán a o-cánsaoan. O'mnpeaoap na ceace- 
gníóe cia h-iao péin agsur cnéao cug8 go. ((onbainc TWlaoanup 
“1p aéóne óúimne bun a-cinéal Soir Pór ir aéónio oúinn sun 
ouine [GióDin bun o-oaóáeanna.” Oo émn Wlasnup. iomonno 
ceaóca an a ónaotó14b asup. an a Plaéab. Cánagoan an luec 
peara mn oo láéain asur oo. labain Tlaonur pmiú, aaup amp eaó 
aoubaine:—'“ilp uime oo éuinÍíop péin paopn onuiD 4. ináíon énueóac 
éaom-áluinn cá asampa, asur ódáini8 iannaó mnpe ó lilunéaó 
Tilaolcluapae Ua TIulcuapsoinc, asup ar caoireac cnoméoiceac 
an pean rpn.” “4 peapac pmn-ne,” an na onaoiéib, “sunab 
oon éine céoonoma dan c-óalac pin, asur ní oleaséan oo. neac 
o'polab ugiple meapagó an Polab úin-íple, óin oád méao, maé- 
nail' a5su?' oeasá-Posluimm oo óáeibíio an c-aol anuapal, ná onóin 
ná uSáoanár. an éeana, ní bí móó na m-béapaib ná meapanoaóc 
1ionnsa, múg' ríon o'eólecaib ; agsup ar amlaió apbeanc an peall- 
ramuin pPín-sálice— 


Rustica progenies neseit habére modum, 


Cur oá néin pin ní cóin ouic-?R 80 oeó ná ao oeineaó an 
oomain c'Puil péin oo Paléaó le ePul boocaa ná laonaimn, óin ní 
mianaé maio 14a0; asuT. pór ní b-pPuil cnué oá aoinoe iona 
pnaéaioíT?, ná onóin oá méao oo áeibío, ná oipis ná uáoanáp, 
nac é bur man leó na pola uaiple o'írhusaó agsu, oo. man- 
luáaó oá o-ciseaó leó a óéanam,”” 

Ó!óeagó oo bí bean udaibneac íomancaé lán-Fanncae as 





xv. | THE MATCH. SES 


the high kine of Erin, that first composed this poem ; and the manner 
in which the poem was wound up was greatly praised ; and the name 
Brian called it was ““ Ceathramha na córa,” the regular guatrain. 

This band went on in the straightness of every way, and every 
fair guidance, until they came near to the Tillage-p]ot of the Bread, 
and to the Roads of the Buttermilk or of the Beet-roots, and to the 
Gap of the Fence of the Parsnips, and to the Rath of the Porridge, 
and to the Little Field of the Beans, and to the Corner of the Meal, 
and to the Lios of the Bran, and to the Beautiful Place of the Grain, 
and they proceeded northwards to the verge of the Plain of Con- 
naught, until they arrived at the house of Maghnus O'Madigáin ; 
and as they were tramping with their thiek boots on the lawn of 
the stronghold, Maghnus came to meet them, and asked them who 
they were, and what was their business, and whence they eame. 
The messengers told him who they were, and what was their business. 
Maghnus said, “I know your race; and, moreover, 1 know that your 
lordisa rich man.” Then Maghnus sent for his druids and his chief 
men. "These wise men came before him, and Maghnus spoke to them, 
and this is what he said :—': Phis is the reason why 1 sent for you : 
I have a comely, very beautiful daughter, and Murchadh Maolelua- 
sach O Multuasgairt has sent to ask her hand, and that man is an 
exceeding rich nobleman.” “ We know,” said the druids, “that 
that young man is of the rustic race, and 1t is not permitted for any of 
noble blood to unite with blood of a low degree ; for, however great 
prosperity and good education the low-born obtain, however, great 
honour and authonty, there is no polish in their manners, they 
observe no moderation, if the learned say true; and thus spake the 
very clever philosopher— 


The rustic race know not how to observe moderation. 


And for that reason 1t is not right íor thee for ever, nor till the end 
of the world, to soil thy own blood with the blood of churl or robber, 
seeing that they are not a good breed ; and, moreover, there is no posi- 
tion, however high, they would attain to; there is no honour, however 
great, or ofhce, or authority, they would obtain, that would prevent 
them from desiring to humihate the noble families, and to insult 
them ií they could do so,” 

However, Maghnus had a proud, arrogant, most avarieious wife, 


B2 


244 aN GormainLe álic. [xrr. 


Thasnur, asurp ar eaó aoubainc aun b'peánn lé: péin pronobneal: 
asur roécnaéc as a hanáin an peaó oo beaó beó, ná pul ná 
poóslum oá peabur: asup beis an. oí paióbnip. Oo éníocnais 
an bean lán-Fanncac pin lilasnuip an. cleamnap o'anmhóeóin na 
n-oncaonice. 


XI YIIL 


aNM CGoitidinLe álic. 
(Cósea arm “ éaccna Cloinne Cománp.”) 


Oo báoan Clann Comáip man pin pá éumna, nán léiseaó 
oÓóib a a-cínn oo eóabáil, acc beis Pá ógaoinre oo. néin an 
c-Teanneaóca. 850 h-aimpin Caiós mc. Tilunóaó mc Canéa ip 
Coinóealbais mc Oíianmaoa mic Coinóealbais me. Caóg mc 
Dpian Dóinme oo bee a a-complaéeap; asup oo bí pean- 
óslac píon-món oon Ólomn pain Comáip. an lilacane Camp 
as dáicneab, agsur oo bí móáíon énucac éaom-áluimnn ag an 
o-caoipeac pin, asul' Canbne Cnom Ua. Céinín ainm an. óslaa 
pin, asuT Seilseán ainm na hanáine, agsup oo cució ceire na 
hanaime pin an praíamaóc asur an dáilleacec an pegaó na cníce 
so com-coicéeann, agaul' oo bí mónán oo. maiéib Clomne 
Comáip, oiannaió na h-náime pin an sac aon eóise á n-Éinpimn. 
Oo bí IIaeccoine Caipil mile pá ónméóneacc as Finnáim mac Ctoóa 
ÓOub asur as a bnáéónb a. Fáalbe agup, Flann, agsup ní nab 
a Paor aca cíonnul' oo Pábálparioír, an lean cnuiéneacoca pin, 
asuT?' ar í congainle an a ocánagoan, pPaol. oo cun an Cainbne 
Cpom Ua Céinín, óin oo bí ceirc raiobnip asurp alioocail' ain an 
s-Cainbne pin. can Clomn Comáin uile. Cánlaoan oá mac 
Cloóa Oub óo a. Finnáin agsupr, Fáilbe, agup an eaó aoubnaogan 
pi? —“ Cnéao an saliocar, oo óoéanpamaoir'. le a mbainpimíp, a 
bpuil oo ónuicneaóc ain lÍlacane Caipil?” “Cleá ináíion áluinn 
asam-Ta,” an Cainbne, “coo óeánranaá an áilleaoc an ináiíon- 
cab Cloinne Comáip, uile an. peaó an oomain, asu]' oo cuaió ca 
ceirc asup a cuanapsbáil ná éeióéne h-olleóinb Éimonn, agsu: 
ar món oo maicíb Cloinne Comáin éáimge oá coomeainc asup oá 








XVI. | THE WISE COUNSEL. 245 


and what she said was, that she would prefer her daughter to have 
riches and prosperity while she hved, than either blood or learning, 
however good, without riches. “This most avarleious wife of Maghnus 
concluded the match in spate of the druids. 


Da ]DIwJLL 


THE WISE COUNSEL. 
(TAREN FROM “EACHTRA CHLOINNE THOMÁIS.) 


TheClan Thomas werethusunderthe yoke,sothatit wasnotpermitted 
them to hít their heads, but they were kept in servitude to the time that 
Tadhg, son of Murchadh Mac Cartha and Toirdhealbach, son of Diar- 
muid, son of Toirdhealbach, son of Tadhe, son of Brian Boru, were 
rulers of egual authority. Now, there was a young man truly great 
of Clan Thomas, dwelling, an the Plain of Cashel, and that chieftain 
had a well-shaped, very beautiful daughter; and Cairbre Crom O 
Céirín was this young man's name, and Seilgean was the daughter"s 
name ; and the fame of this daughter for beauty and loveliness spread 
throughout the entire country; and there were many o£f Clan 'Thomas 
who sought the hand of this daughter from every province of Erin. 
The whole Plain of Cashel was growing wheat íor Finneen, son of 
Aodh Dubh, and for his brothers, that is, Fáilbhe and Flann; and 
they knew not how to save that large sea of wheat; and the plan 
they adopted was to send íor Cairbre Crom O'Ceírín, since this 
Cairbre had a reputation for riches and wisdom beyond all the Clan 
Thomas. 'The two sons of Aodh Dubh met him, that is Finneen and 
Failbhe, and this is what they said to him: “ What plan are we to 
adopt, so that we may get all the wheat on the Plain of Cashel cut ?? 
“TI have a beautaftul daughter,” said Cairbre, ““who has surpassed in 
beauty all the daughters of Clan Thomas throughout the world, and 
her fame and reputation have spread through the four great provinees 
of Erin, and many are the chief men of Clan Thomas who have eome 
to the house ere this to woo her, and to ask her hand ; and none of 
them got from her anything save refusal to this day. She is now at 


246 CN COTh4aIRLe lic. [xrrr. 


h-aannaó oon ce nam, asur ní bpuadn neac oíob umée aócs 
eiceac sur anoiu, asur. acá pí anoir an bun a-cun-Ta, asul' 
cuinió-Ta ceaóca pá Ómmn uile oá pPoillruúáaú oo. Cloimn 
Comáir, sac neac oíob le n-an man ceacs oo óocmainc 
Seilseáin inóáine Cambne, bes a s-ceann cní peaócmuine 
o'eósman an lilacane Caipl oo buan na cnméneacca. pin, 
asur saibé óíob buanaióe ap peánn; ao b-Puiaáió an náion pin 
ain peir láimme asur. leapéa.” (Cur aoubnaoan Clann Coóa 
Ouib sun mai asup sun ólic an comainle pn an a o-cáima pé, 
iT' oo nimnegaó camlaió aca; ií oo éíonólaoan Clann Comáir lán 
oo bnumé ir oo bonnpaó an sac dié a nabaoan, an méao po. bí 
calma ne peíióm agsup ne ponnán o?mincs, ao o-cánagoan uile 
so INlaeéaine Games 

((n can éáimaa am na buana cuca, éánsaaoan éum aonbaill, 
asur' a n-ainm áis asuT :íonáoile leó a. a púircíóe colp-nampna 
cnaimnn-móne, asur a a-connáin paobain-áéana pnaip-píaclaea 
asur, a n-uinéíonna. pnap-áanba. caoib-pmeanea. páil-leacna, 
asur meancnaóe bíonaca bláiéceanca ain Pupnpain agc pain oíob. 
Oo pmáóedgó a iomaine péin a lámh agéc aoin oíob, asup. 90 
cuineaó Seilseán na pmnóe ain ánució iomaipe óg. a a-córmain. 
Ir annnn oo cnomaoan ao cíocnac caanpánac, agsu? cusaoan na 
Fin éalma pin pióe panncac pánluamneac pán muing mais 
míon-cnmiéneaóca Din oo bí púca. Ctoclor so hameíian uaca 
riormannac asurp' Teonoán na lán-oonnán peacnóin na muinse 
míon-Tsoódióe oo sac lea.  Daó pollur cna oo lucs a 
bpeénmn ao h-eoinéan uaca capmnc asur coimnpsleó a 
b-paacal b-pnairneaman b-paoPnónac le pPiuéaó agurnr le ePnaoó 
Punnáin as bugin Peanamn agsup. píon-écorpaa oá céile. Dbaoó 
óonéa cna an c-aoóan ao h-eroinéeaan uaéa ó ómbnéala asup 
ó bnúccas ouabpeaca asur ó bolaó anála na b-pean-óalae 
ran, as leasaó asur' aa lán-cunnaó na lán-oonnán oo sac leac. 
Oo bíooan uile a s-ceomónaó ao chpoe calma a gs-coimpasleó so 
h-aimiun oínnéin oóib, agsurp ar é baó pcíobano agur baó óeaá- 
nonnaipe onna 4. Cainbnpe péin, asur, aoubaine leó wmle pnóáe 
cum bíó asupr oo Puióeaoan ao h-ollam, asupr oo émn pnubán 
ún mmíiol-éam aim-Puince onoófuaiéce pnacáil' asur aioroa 
bunaca bun-naman blácaióe asup, narman-baimne a b-piaónaipe 
saéa oéire óíob. agsur map oo meacánab ceann-éaocaca 


“”“ 


“-w“w-uwmawwwvwuvvww'w— 


XI YI.| THE WISE COUNSBL. 247 


your disposal, and do ye send messengers throughout all Erin to 
announce to Clan Thomas, that all of them who were desirous to woo 
Seilgean, daughter of Cairbre, should be, at the end of three weeks of 
autumn, on the Plain of Cashel to reap that wheat, and that which- 
ever is the best reaper of them will get that daughter in marriage.?” 
And the sons of Aodh Dubh said that was a good and wise eounsel on 
which he had hit, and they acted aceordingls. And Clan Thomas 
assembled full of viegour and pride from every place in which they 
were, as many of them as were bold in displaying action and force, 
until they all came to the Plain of Cashel. 

When the time for reaping arrived, they came to one place, having 
with them their weapons of battle and strife; that is, their thick- 
wattled flails of tough wood and their keen-edged, fine-toothed reap- 
ing-hooks, and their rough-grained, side-smeared, wide-heeled c]logs, 
and pointed awls of true beauty at the girdle of each man o£f them. 
His own ridge was appointed for each of them. Seilgean was made 
to sit on the verge of a ridge in front of them ; and then they began 
eagerly and with busx;ing: and these stout men made a greedy, very 
vigorous attack on the beautiful plain of fine wheat on which they 
stood. Far from them was heard the hissing and the rustling of the 
full handfuls throughout the fair-fiowered plain on every side. 
Maníest, in sooth, to the onlookers at a distance from them was 
the struggle of their long-beaked, thick, and freguent teeth, through 
their boiling-up and rage of fury to gain ground and the foremost 
place of one another. In sooth, the air was dark for a long distance 
from them, on account of the black elouds of horrid belching and the 
breath of the young men, as they brought down and overthrew the 
full handfuls on every side. 'They were all contending cleverly and 
stoutly in the contest until dinner time. And their steward and 
organi;er was Cairbre himself; and he told them all to sit down 
to food, and they sat down willingly ; and he placed a fresh, crooked- 
centred, ill-baked, ill-kneaded cake of oatmeal, and a can of 
heavy sediment of butter-milk and thick milk before every pair of 
them, and a dish of parsnips, exotic-headed, half-boiled, and a 
kitchen of grey lumps, with blue cavities and crooked hairs, of the 
putrid butter of goats and sheep. “They proceeded to gulph down and 
cut in fragments that food, with relish and with fierce biting; and 
like to a drove of biting, snorting, starved pigs, grunting at a refuse 


248 aN GoimainLe óuic. [xrvr. 


leac-bnuisce asur' annlann oo álaip-mnllínnb cuap-óonma cam- 
puibeaca, oo bnein-im &áaban asur caonac. Oo. áabaoan 
as Tlosaó asur as Tlím-áSeannaó na beaéa pan ao blaproa 
bonb-saneamannac, asup. baó pamai, le pagoeó oo mucaib snea- 
mala seanánaca soncaca, as seanán um oníooan pnalse 
asul' anbnuis an. áliopmannac asup an blarmannac oo. áníoipr 
oá péacai cia aca baó éúpaa pácac. (tnnpn ian a-copa a íoca 
asurm a ocnail, aoubainc Caeal Clúmae Ua Dpipalein nae nab 
pean a óíonamala péin a m-bucin a m-bualao ná a m-buan- 
poman, ná a n-oibneaca peaómaimla punnánsa eile pá óuinn 
calman, ace muna b-pasógoí oeanbnáéain eile oo péin oo 
Pásab 'ran m-bale an Uuacan leacan-ólapr: Oeasaoó. a. 
Uoclann leaéan. (oólor an cómnaó pin eaconna wile ao 
Póinleaéan, asuT oo Pneasain óiíolla Dáonaa agsu aoubaine: 
cc Cusap péin óúis ééao pean lom a h-Uleaib agup ní bpuil aon 
oíob nac poncamla ann adac peióm oá n-oubnaip.” “CP pPíon 
pin,” an Conall cnámn-neamanp, “cóin ní nab Leaé lilosa piam 
ioncomónccail' le Leas ónóóa, corancac Cumn, asup aip oeanb 
a m-béalub puaó agaurl' reancaó sun éuis €oáan Tón lann-ne 
ain lilas Léana, asup sun óuic Cúní mac Oáine le Coineulaimn 
asum' ar oeanb le h-ol-éaóaib eile ne haom-eopnam éiníonn 
sun pinn-ne pain baó cnoóa agsu?' baó ealma an sac peióom oíob 
Tin, asur' an méao éánsaman-ne annpo ó Leas Cumn ní bpul 
comónaó asdib-re mmn anoi.”?” “Cusalp, oo. áuail?, ar. 90 
óenas-éiceac,” an Caéal, “casur má oo éuis €osan Tón ain 
Tilaans Léana, ní oo láimh Cuimn oo. éc, acc le h-aomao anPon- 
laimn. (sur má éóuic Cúní oo láin Coneénlaimn, ní le sarae 
oo óéuic ré aéós sné pPeall oo oeineaó ain a lor a mná péin.” 
(lsur oo cóg a lám luoanéóa lán-áanb éainp, an óu8 amup ain- 
bpaorac am Conall oo éonnán. énom enoirpaíaclac oo. bí iona 
lámh, asup oo buadil bnaó-buille baosalae báir a bpíon-mullae 
na h-anóinne ain, sun baó lán an c-iomaine oá óuio pola. ((p 
annpmn sna o'éináeaoan na pin Punnánea pon acó leas asur oo 
€ugaoan a n-onouágó man oo nacaó Conn asuj' Coóan, agsurp oo 
pnónrao óá leag oíob a. Larsgma asur TWluimnma oo óaob, Uloaa 
Connaócaig asup Pin lÍlíóe oo éaob eile, asur' oo áabpao na 
príom-éaoina oo bí onna as onouágó a o-copac an éaóa pin 
oo sagé leac. l1p annpin cuagoan pióe ranncac páin-neimneac 





XLVI. | THE WISE COUNSEL. 249 


of porridge and broth, was the noise they made in swallowing and 
tasting, in emulation as to which of them would first have had his 811. 
Then, after his hunger an4 thirst had been allayed, Cathal Clúmh- 
ach O'Brisglein said that there was no man a match for himselí in 
reapine, in threshine, or constant-digging, or in other works of vigour 
and strength, on the surface of the land, unless a brother of his own 
might be procured, whom he had left at home on the wide green 
rushes of Deaghadh, namely, Lochlann the broad. This saying was 
widely heard among them all, and Giolla Patrck answered and said : 
“ I myselt brought with me from Ulster five hundred men, and there 
is not one of them whois not abler in every feat you have mentioned.” 
“That is true,” said Conall the thick-boned ; ““sinee Leath Mhogha 
was never to be compared with the brave, defensive Leath Chuinn, 
and 1t is certain, from the sayinges of learned men and histonans, that 
Eoghan Mor fell at our hands on Magh Leana, and that Cúrí Mac Daire 
fell at the hand of Cuchulainn; and it is clear, from many other 
battles for the defence of Erin, that 1t is we who are the bravest and 
stoutest men in each of these feats; and you can bear no comparison 
to-day with as many of us as eame here from Leath Chuinn.” “ You 
are a coníounded har,” said Cathal; “and if Eoghan Mor fell at 
Magh Leana, 14t was not at the hand of Conn he fell, but through too 
overwhelming a force; and aí Cúrí fell by the hand of Cuchulainn, it 
was not, through valour he fell, but through the treachery practased 
on him by his own wife.” And he raised his slovenly, very rough 
hand above him, and aimed at Cathal a violent blow of a crooked, 
cross-toothed, reaping-hook which he held in hand, and gave him a 
destructive, dangerous death-stroke on the very top of his head, so 
that the ridge was full of his blood. “Then, indeed, the strong men 
arose on every side, and they got into array as would Conn and 
Eoghan ; and they made two divisions of themselves; that is, the 
Leinstermen and the Munstermen on one side, and the Ulstermen and 
the Connaughtmen and the Meathmen on the other side; and their 
leaders proceeded to give command in the front of that battle on each 
side. “Then they made an eager, very venomous attack on one another, 
and raised their lusty, strong-waved bellowing on high, and their noise 
was heard to the vault of heaven. “Terrible and very horrible was the 
response of the echoes in the caves, and in the islands, in the hills, in 
the woods, in the cavities, and in the deep-hollowed rocks of the land. 


250 GN CoIh4aiRLe álic. [xrvr. 


o"onnrase a Céile agsur, cuaaoan a o-cnombúióneac éeann 
cneaóan-láioin ór áno, asur, baó élor a b-posan ao cleiGab 
neime. Daó h-uaóman ún-ánánna coim-Pneasnaó. na mac 
alla a n-uamaib, asupr a n-oileáncib, a. a-cnocoib, a. ga-coill- 
o-b, a a-cuapánai?b, asup a s-cannseacaib cuaprooimne na 
S-cnhíoc. 


OÓNC4 U€ cKIUIO1D eiUe. 


FOEMaS BY OTHER POE US. 


259 odnNcda Le pPal0iD eile. [xuvn. 


ha AIE 


Laoró ó4108 uí OUINNÍN. 
(18 caoineaó na n-ugpal o'éimna pan a-cosaó oéasnac 1691). 


lTr leun lom leasaó na b-plaéa ap na b-píon-uaiple, 
Ó-péapcac, b-pneapcalac, b-plearacupac, b-píon-cuaóao, 
Oo béanpaó peanann oom Paimail-pe peaoi óualsup, 

saon ó Pnaócib aagn cabainc ain cíor uaim-pe. 


(Ir é cus paosumhpeac caéac me píon-buaióeansa, 
Séamup dainace ón m-Dneacain aan ohóe an euanaib, 
(1 cnéao ain rpagipeaó oá naneaodaó ar oá píon-nuasdad59, 
'S an méiío noc mainegaj' oá mai a“ bpíon-énuaócan. 


Éag na s-Canaéac a-ceannapac nsnoióe buan me, 
io Oo néa-Puil Cairill nán b'anam a bpíon-uaccan, 

Fémníó óeanalca6 manb san bnís an Puangaó, 

lr laocna sise Dunnaice asur buóean Cnuacna, 


(Ir raoc liom eapba na peabac ón Uaoi Puain nail, 

NMán néió ne óallaib acc cannaina can cuínn uaéa, 

'S an c-éan beag mainean oon ealcaimn éine Pínn Puaónac, 
Ue cnénnpe a hambuna, mo óeacain, san pháe euanoa. 





XLVII.—This beautiful lament was wnritten soon after the Williamite wars, 
but not earlier than 1699. “The metre is one of great seriousness and solemnity. 
It is the only production we have under the name of the author, who was poet and 
historian to Donogh, Earl of Clancarty, who was exiled and deprived of his 
immense estates for siding with James II. 


6. cuana, “harbounrs” ; often used for “the high seas.” 

Is. éan. M8. aon, but ealcain suggests éan. 

I3—16. This stanasa is devoted to the MacCarthys of Muskery, to whom the 
poet had been historian. mhóin is a variant to Puain. nán néió, &c. Hé refers 
to the action of Donogh, the fourth Earl of Clancarty, who fought on the side of 
James II., and retired to the Continent rather than settle down in slavery at home. 
He was given a gmall pension by King William, and retired to Hamburg on the 


XLYII. | POEMS BY OTHER POETS. 253 


Elbe. 


XLVII. 


THE LAY OF TADHG O'DUINNÍN. 


(LAMENTING THE NOBLES WHO ROSE IN THE LATE Wag, 1691). 


Sorrowful to me is the overthrow oí the princes and the true 
nobles, 

'The festive, the generous, ot wreathed goblets, ot the wine-eups, 

Who would bestow land on one hke me as a right, 

Free from taxes, and without my giving rents. 


It is this that has troubled and vexed and truly afllicted me, 

That James is unlawfully routed out of Britain and sent on the 
seas, 

His flock seattered, tortured, contanually banished, 

And his survivine leaders in dire hardships. 


'The death of the mighty valiant MacCarthy has afflieted me, 

Oí the royal blood of Cashel who were not seldom in true 
supremacy, 

The Geraldine champions dead, without vigour, deeayine, 

And the heroes of famous deeds from Bunratty, and the tiibe of 
Cruachan. 


I am gsieved at the loss of the warriors from the cold bright Lee, 

Who did not make peace with the foreigners but withdrew from 
them across the sea, ! 

While the only bird that survives of that noble comely high- 
gpirited flock 

Is for gome time at Hamburg, my hardship ! without the means 
of subsistence. 


He purchased a little island at the mouth of the river, and spent his time in 


affording relief to shipwrecked vessels. He had been immensely wealthy before 
the war broke out, but all his property was confiscated. He died in exile in 


254 


20 


3o 


oúNcda Ue p1U0iD eile. [xrvu. 


Tr é oo meanais me—oalsa agó Ríoá-cuaine, 

baó Faonóa aimm 'p a mbeancaib oo bíoo buaió arae, 
Phoenix panéa na bDanba a naníom sauaracs— 

Ir o' Ómnn maiéim, ór oeanb "na luióe a o-cuama. 


Oá n-oéanpamn oeanmao, mearaim sun baoip ugim-pe, 
Chn Paon-P'locc €ochaió ao ceannúb Duine Daoi an uain ro, 
Oaonnacc, painmmnae, IT cabaince ain Píon ugaóa, 

lr é oo cleaccaó an áapna Sníom-óuapac. 


Léap-rarnior paiprina Uíb Canbpe nir sní cnuas hom, 

((n áeus pan Caeéail coirp eannae ir Uaoi luaióim-pe, 
Sliocc Céim, oo cCarceaó sac maiéear le píon-Tugócib, 

Gr Séapna an óleanna pus banna an sgc pháe puaincip. 


Ní'l séilleaó a n-eallab o'pean Ceanna Cunc paoi buan- 
nacc, 

Ná dain aon con aca oon aicme pin Caom Pluasais, 

Oo éáléimb agapoa ólínn meanóa mín Cluana, 

Ná o'aon oon maicne ó Ceamain óáluir mín Uuacna. 


Préam na Snaéa ir Oúim óeanamn im ofé buan lom, 
lr béal ÚÓéa Seannma agn nacaineaóc Píon-óuansa, 

Rasallas, Seacnapma, Ceallaa, ir caoim-Ruancaa, 
lr cnaob Uí Tileacain sun Tlaoaó a cnoióe uaice. 





1754. 


The following stansas from an elegy on this Earl by Eoghan Mac Carthy an 


méinín, may be of interest :'— 


For an interesting account of this Earl and of his descendants, see O'”Callaghan's 


Oo conac!D a nalapaib 'ran aosne céaona 
Cé sun cannaimnseedaó naócmur ir ném 50, 
(6c a cneioíom ao meinb oo Peungaó, 

1r onum a ólace oo éabainc ne Séamur. 


HMíon cosain an Cánéac cáúió aan claon-coil. 

Cn ceannas Tin Deéaoain an óáaimnh oo óneiaíon, 
((éc o'iomóain cnopa so Toilbin praocnac, 

(un aenir a maireann Sndáóaa oo raon Tinn. 


Tlistory of the Irish Brigade, pp. 9 et sea. 
ao. o”'éeinimn maiéim, “I forgive Erin: 1 give up hope in her.” 





ó 


XLVII. | POEMS BY OTHER POETS. 55 


20 


39 


It has confused me—the nunsling of every princely family, 
YWhose name was noble and who excelled in action, 

The guardian Pheenix of Banba in feats of danger— 

And I have jost hopein Erin, since they in sooth he in the tomb. 


It were £íolly on my part did I forget at this time 

The noble race of Eochaidh extending to the headlands of Port 
Baoi, 

Kindness, generosity, lberahty in bestowing wines, 

These were the virtues practised by that tribe who gave genuine 
gaíts. 


The wide ruin of Ibh Carbery is a threefold distress to me, 

That race of Cathal beside the sea and the Lee I refer to, 

The descendants of Cian who bestowed all their wealth on 
genuine bards 

And Geoffrey of the Glen who excelled in every kind of humour. 


Obedience is not paid in Ealla to the chieftain of Kanturk with 
military service, 

Nor by any means to the race of Caoimh of the hosts, 

Nor to the skiltul, sprightly, impetuous, gentle chieftain of Cluain, 

Nor to any of the tribe from green, smooth Tara Luachra. 


It is lasting ruin to me, the loss of the race from Strabane and 
Dunegannon, 

And Ballyshannon without the enjoyment of genuine songs, 

The O'Reillys, the O'Shaughnessys, and the noble O'Rorkes, 

And the branch of O"“Meagher, whose heart was stolen from it. 





22—23. The O'Sullivans: see XXXVI. 

26. 'The O”Donovans resided in a district of Carbery called Clan Cahill. 

28. For some account of Geoffrey O'Donoghue, see Introd. 

29. The Mac Carthys of Kanturk. 

3o. The O'Keeffes were lords of Pobul O'Keeffe, a district in Duhallow, com- 


prising some 9000 acres. 


32. Teamhair Luachra, an ancient royal residence in North Kerry, not far 


from Castleisland. It must have been near Bealatha na Teamhrach, in the parish 
of Dysart. It is also called Teamhair Luachra Deaghaidh, and sometimes 
Teamhair Earna. 


49 


6o 


oúNc4 Le pll1oiD eile. [xrvit, 


Cn bpnéaim ó'n n-5apna Coill, Dhán i Ulíb Cuaéml, 
Éile ir Ama ip oeas-óine Cumn oualasa, 

Réió-coill Wlanac, ir Pallaa, ir Uaáir uaine, 

Tr san céile as €amaimn oo élannaib mc Ín umbpua. 


Ní'l éira as coiponol coil calaió ná ain línn áanuamóa, 
C(ún éaob na Danna, coir Nlainae ná ain mín-Ruaccona ; 
Ní 1 cnéicne meala oá o-cannaina a a-coill buacaa, 

'S nT”11 péan ain enanncub ne pealao ná puínn énuapaia. 


Ní'l céin ain laraó an sac maimnpoip, bío ucianeac, 

'S nT71 cléan as cancain a palm ná as auióe ain uainib, 
Ní'l aon as aPpíonn eapbuna a a-cill cuaca, 

5 ní'l léésaeann oá eceaasapa oo leanb ná o'aop' uapal. 


Cé aun macnaó man malaince an ole nuaó po, 

Ní'l epPéile manéain ná canéanaóc cpí cnuaá an bic, 
O'éinneac bnpnaécan a n-eapbaió nó ain ofé euallaoc, 
Ó léiseaó paégaó na gs-ceals a b-píon-uaban. 


Cé aun bpaoa man eaécna a a-cnuínn-cuainpa, 

'S nac péaoaimm labainc ain imaiceap na naoióeal n-uapal, 
éisre pearaca slacaió man óíol uaimm-pe, 

óun maol an c-anm ná cleaccann a Píon-cuansain. 


(I Óé na n-apprcal pPuadin peannuio oán b-píon-Puapalaó, 
Tan aon leo” banalcnain beannunágse bí ain buaiópnioim, 
Ó'r séan sun éeannaóaip m'anam a Cníoro éuana, 

Léas me a b-plaiceap na n-amaníol ao bpePuiáego puaimhhneap. 





37. an pnéam: MS. an éaimm, which breaks the assonance; lines 37—40 are 
only in some M88. “The tribe of Laighis gave its name to Leis, in the Oueen's 
County ; it was descended from Laeighseach Ceann Mor, son of Conall Cearnach ; 
Pallaa, the descendant of Ros Failghe, eldest son of Cathaeir Mor, who imhabited 
east and west Ofaly; Cill Managh perhaps - Kill na Managh in Tipperary : 
Eamhain, or Eamhain Macha, about two miles from Armagh, was the ancient 


XLVII. | POEMS BY OTHER POETS. 257 


49 


5o 


6o 


The tribe from Garra Choill, the O'Byrnes, and the O”Tooles, 

Eile, and Allen, and the goodly race of ringleted Conn, 

The Smooth Kilmanagh, the Fallachs, and green Leix, are no 
more, 

While Navan has no spouse of the descendants of the son of 
proud I. 


Fishes are not freguentang harbour or gloomy lake, 

The verge of the Bann or the Maine or the smooth Roughty; 
Honeyecombs are not brought from gladsome woods, 

'The trees have not prospered for a season and seant is their fruit. 


Thereis no wax-lght burned in the monasteries—they are Ionely, 
And the clerey do not chant their psalms or recite their hours. 
None attend a Pontafical Mass i a country church, 

And the child and the noble are not beine trained in learning, 


Though this new law was planned for an improvement, 
Hospitality is not alive nor charity moved by pity 

For anyone who is thought to be in want or in loneliness, 
Since the thrusts of treachery were made in real pride. 


Since a full account of the noble Gaels would be a long story, 
And since I am unable to unfold their vwirtues, 

Do ye, O wise bards, accept as a compensation from me, 

'That blunt is the weapon that is not used to dire slaughter. 


O God of Apostles, who suffered torments in fully redeeming us, 

Together with thy beloved mother-nurse who was sorrowing, 

Since, O noble Christ, Thou hast with bitterness purchased my 
soul, 

Admit me into the heaven of the saints that, [ may obtain rest. 








residence of the kings of Ulster. Ir was son of Milesius, and from his son 
Eibhear descended the races of Ulaidh, such as Magenis, &ce. 


49. an o!aóe. M85. ao ouá6e. 
;—6o. This stan£a is not in all the copies. 


YVOL, III. s 


258 DúNc4 Le p1aloiD eile. [xrvnr. 


aHMH ceaNaaL. 


6: Ná cá sun éaéóearp real oom'aoil aonac, 
'S so n-snáóp.amn pcain ain neaóc na bpíon nógaobal po, 
Tho ceáno ó meaé le malaince oháe a n-Émmn, 
To cnáó ao pac agan pcao le bníbéineaocc. 


an reeaana0 C4(L. 


Ó sebm sun caileaó na plaéa phooc TÍlíléipiup, 
Tr rnoimnc a o-calam as Sallab an bínn-béapla, 
4 Caiogs ó bnhacam so naóaoin le bnhíbéineaoc, 
Raasao-?a realao as beannaó aac cíléana. 


SAID AiiHE 
4IR Oféó Na Nagoó4L[L. 
Ue Séapna Ua Oonnchaóa an éóleanna. 


Ní pmlmaíro SÓill oúinn ríosúsaó a n-Ééimmn peal, 

Ón s-cnoióse san áímhúsaóo aip írhúsaó pé n-a pmaóc, 

Ón s-cumar oo luíseaoúsáaó ir oíéiúsaó án 8-cléine 
an. Pao, 

lr epumm a mí-núin cníocnúaaóo án rpaosail gp. 


64. nac for naóao. | 
68. He says he will become a fcooper.” cíléin, “ceeler,' is a broad, shallow 
vegse] for milk to cream in. j 


XLVIII.—The author of this poem and the following was Geoftrey O'Dono- 
ghue of Glenflesk. He married in 1665, and was not living at the end of the century. 


XVIII. | POEMS BY OTHER POETS. 259 


TruE BINpIrNG. 


6: Although I spent a portion of my hfe in ífolly, 
And loved a story on the supremacy of the true Gaels. 
Since my occupation is gone, because of the change of laws in 
Erin, 
My torture! I must without delay take to brewing. 


THgg CouNTER REPLY. 


Since I find that the chieftains of the race of Milesius haye 
perished, 

And that the foreigners of the smooth Enghlsh have the 
dividine of their lands, ; 

As I understand, O Tadhg, that you will take to brewing, 

I, for a season, will turn to the planing of cee/ers, 


DOIINIDHHL, 


ON THE RUIN OF THE GAELS. 
Bv GEorreEy O'DoNoGHUE OF THE GLExN. 


The foreigners will not suffer us ever in peace in Erin, 

Without enslavine our hearts, and humbhne them under their 
sway, 

To reduce our power, and destroy our clergy altogether, 

The aim of their evil plan is to expel us from it entirely. 


In 1679, he wrote a poem on O'Keeffe ; and in thesame year, an elegy of 260 lines 
on Edmund Fitgerald o£ Lisheen Castle, which O'Curry ranks high. The same 
authority says that O'Donoghue was one of the deepest read of his day in the Irish 
language. —His poems breathe the spirit of independence characteristic of his 
race. See Introduction. 

8.2 


260 


IO 


20 


oúNc4 Le PIUÓID eile. [xrvnt, 


Níon Phace oán n-íoúáaó líonnúsaó bnéasac beanc, 
óan éumarp an ole nmú a n-aoin cúip o'éiliom éeanc, 
Cuiaim sun ríon-buógin ríocúáaó paob na bpean 

Ue a s-cuino a a-cníc óúinn sníomúsaó léin a a-ceapo. 


Oán o-cubuipc ao laoicéamnl luíse óuínn pé n-a prmaóc, 
To eéuippe! 'T nae oíon oúinn aoin cúil o” Éinimn Chnc, 
Ón s-cumap IT oíoc-óúmaina, ní pPaú rméan án s-ceanc, 
Tuna o-ciae san moill cúsainn mímúáao éin grp. 


Oo connapc na Sgaoióoil úo píooamail, péaoac, peol, 
Cumapac, cíopamail, cníoonumail, céaopaóac, ceanc, 
Soilbin, praoirceamail, míon-ún, maonóa, mean, 
Eiloca, pPíonamail, epPíoncamai, péaroac, peace. 


Cuinice caoimeamuil, onaoiréeamuil, oaonnacscsac, 
Díonaice bíosamail, saoireamuil, saoóalac, slan, 
óo cuicm a. b-pníorún oaoinreamail lae na m-bnearc, 
Hán euilleaoan mío-clú, ir ofocúáaaó oéanac oeansc. 


óoinm ir amóim púnn Cníops cúscib, caoim an plaé, 

O'Puilima a éaoim-énú a a-cnaoib éúmaine céapea éeaóc, 

óo s-cuineaó san moill cúsainn paoi ólú Aaoóail 'na 
s-ceanc, 

'S so pranioTraió na ócill úo bí piú a a-céin can leap. 





XLVUI. | POEMS BY OTHER POETS. : 261 


10 


20 


It was not crafty enough for our ruin—the false gloaing of facts, 

Without the power of the law on their side in any case of a just 
claim, 

I know that the foolish peace these men make is endless woe, 

By which they put in practice on us the manifest design of their 
race. 


It is our daily misfortune to lie down beneath their yoke, 
My grief, no corner of Art's Erin is a protection for us; 
Our power is feeble, our right is not worth a blackberry, 
Unless some relief come to us in our distress without delay. 


I have seen these Gaels in silks and jewels at one time, 
Powerful, with good rentals, industrious, intelligent, just, 
Pleasant, wise, finely-noble, stately, active, 

Poetical, truthful, fond of wine, festive, formerly. 


Knights, noble, skilled in magnc, humane, 

Youne scions, vigorous, accomplished, heroic, pure, 

Until they fell into the enslaving prison of their day of judgment, 
'They did not deserve disgrace, and the tearful ruin of darts. 


I beseech and entreat here for you, Christ, noble is the prince, 

Who suffered his gentle blood to flow on a narrow tree of cruci- 
fixion, 

That he would send without delay to us the Gaels restored to 
their rights and fame, 

And sweep those foreigners who were against them afar over the 
sea. 


b69 odáNc4 Le p1loiD eile. [srax. 


IISIse 
0H Re4CÓcCc C4R CUINN. 
Ue Séapna Ua Oonnchaóoa. 


1r banpa an an a-clear an neaccs oo éeacs can suínn, 
Léan leasa pá Plaic an cneab pin éibin Fínn, 
Cama na m-beancxc oo Plao ao claon án s-cuimna, 
Uéan seannaó amaó án s-ceanc am Éimnn uíll. 


1r oeacain a meap so naib a a-céill oon onoína, 
Ceapaó na n-aóc oo éabainc o'aon mac óail, 

óo b-peacaoan bneac na b-pean ain Séaplar Rís, 
óun rsaanaoan neanc san ceanc le céile a baill, 


Oo peannaó ain pao an peaóoc po a n-Éinimn Saoióil, 
io lp oeansaóan pearoda rpreanc agc aoinpin oíob, 

Nó aslacano a b-parp san peao i1T céio can cuínn, 

1r seallaio can aip agn ceacc ao h-eua aní. 


Cíoó neancman an can po ain élannaib óaoóal na all, 
'S caoó naóman a pccio le peal a b-pnéamaib [lamn, 
Oo óeapaci5D a a-capo ní sabaro séilleaó an Poimnn, 
Feanraó "na pnarob peans Oé "na n-onuim. 


0 dean na b-peanc ooo” éeao ip oéansa auóe, 

Ceancais “na lear an pao a n-Éirinn 6Saoióil, 

Ir learais “na a-ceanc adgn ceap sagac aon oon onuina, 
2o lr ama a neaóc T a nae oon óléin a a-cíll. 


—— 





s—8. From these lines it seems that the poem was composed shortly after the 
Cron,wellian Plantations. 





XLE:.I| POEMS BY OTHER POETS. 2653 


IO 


20 


IJSIA. 
THE LAWS FROM BEYOND THE SEA. 
Byv GrorrFeEy O'DoNoGHuE. 


It is the crowning of knavery—the coming of the law from 
beyond the sea, 

Through which the race of Éibhear Fionn were brought low into 
bondage, 

The eunning of the deeds that unjustly stole our allegiance, 

By which our right in great Erin was entirely cut off. 


It is hard to think that the people understood 

What it was to give the framing of the laws to any foreigmner, 
Till they saw these mens judgment on King Charles, 

That with might without right, they tore his limbs asunder. 


'The Gaels are flayed entirely in Erin now, 

And the grave of each one of them is prepared, 

Or they take their “pass” without delay and go beyond the sea, 
And promise not to come back again until death. 


Strong though the foreigners be now above the Gaels, 

And though their stay amongst the descendants of Flann has 
been prosperous Íor a time, 

Through the faults of their race they shall not obtain sway of 
the land, 

The anger ot God shall rain down in showers upon their backs. 


O Father of miracles, by thy leave we must pray ; 

Restore to their rights in prosperity the Gaels in Erin, 

And make prosperous in their nights without sorrow every one 
of the race, 

And nrestore their law and their success to the clergy in the 
church. 


264 


2I 


oúNc4a Le pPI1UiÓiD eile. [á 


lle aip aecaoi! im las í an uaiple anoir, 

Cupa ip callaíóe ain éailíónb cuapapoal, 
Doouma pá hacafóe, ipr aapcíóe Puanac pin, 

lr lucc oinóeanc peaámóe a a-caipíb cluapaéa. 


Ie 


1aR 5-CUR easbuis CORCUuISe G4IR IONNARDO0 as 


IO 


2 


ÉIRINN. 
Le Uillam ac Cancain an Oúna. 


To bnón mo óeacain an ceala pro am Píon-énáó-pa, 

Coin ao odirmnaion a nalapcaib na o-cíonánac, 

([n reól as basan an éannama can cuínn bdáíóce 

Dein bneóiáce a s-cneacab án. a-cealla 'fT án b-pníoin- 
cáinoe. 


4 lilón-lihc beannmaáce ceannusg 'pan a-cnaoib ónáióce 
Na plóisce peanpa oo Pleaccaib éinc ríl (om, 
Oeónuna pealao so caréneamac caoin-náíóceao, 

€oimn san bapagaó “ran calam po ríoócánsa. 


Cneónua, aéóm opc, (team “Tr a Rís neámóa, 

Can bócna a baile án mancpa laoic láioin, 

4 a-cóin T. a a-calma 'T a n-acpumn aan oífé pláince, 
'S ain cóip can painnse racipeaó san puínn cáinoe. 


3. boomsa. The word ?odach is much used by speakers of English. It 


implies a churlish, ill-mannered upstasrt ; churlishness is an essential element in the 
character. 
24. reasuióe: MS8. preacuaóe. 


L.— See Introductory note to IX. 


Aos ml 


— Giimr a 


g EE oi fen ansan 


I. | POEMS BY OTHER POETS. 265 


21 Oh woe, alas! weak is nobility now, 
Cuffs and frills on servant maids ! 
Podachs wearing, hats—trifling as the improvement— 
And the noble and honourable in caps with ears. 


II; 


WHEN THE BISHOP OF CORK WAS BANISHED 
FROM ERIN. 


Bv WILLIAM MAc CARTAIN AN DÚNA. 


My gnef, my hardship, this thor that ever wounds me, 

John fast bound by tyrants” locks ! 

The flappine sail, prepared to take him over the drowning waves, 

Bickens, and causes to tremble, our churches and our dearest 
friends. 


O great, holy Son of God, who on the tree of torture didat 
purchase 

Hosts of individuals of Adams true descendants, 

Grant that once again, in affection and noble speech, 

John be unseathed and this land in peace. 


Conduct, I beseech thee, O Father and King of Heaven, 

io Home across the main our cavaleade of strong heroes, 
In justice and valour and vigour without loss of health, 
And seatter without much respite the army beyond the sea. 





3. 'The poem seems to have been composed while the boat was still waiting for 
the bishop to go on board. 

II. calma : MS. calam, which perhaps - calb, “hardness,' hence 
$ bravery.” 


266 OúNcd4 Le PILUIOI1D eile. [s. 


Ní'l beó "na m-beacuió oán n-earbua aéóc pmuincee ánoa, 
CI n-sleó-bnuio paoa as óallaib oá píon-eáblaó, 

San cómall na nealan cé calma a n-olíse an Dápa 

CC6c Seon "na Peapail ó maiíoin "na bnhíom-óáánoa. 


Cais oeóna m'amoeipe óm óeanccaib "na línn báioce, 

"Na nóo as cneabaó mo leacan ao oíoábálac, 

Ón s-ceó "Tr ón prsaamal 'r ó Peanóuimn ao píon-ánáéac, 
2o Tr cóip na Sasaran oán n-ansaun pgao:i luióe an bnáca. 


Cmall an earbusa cneap'oa éagaoin aan éáim, 
Oiaóa saroa 1T maipreac sngo!1 aT' cáil, 

4 s-cian oá éeapaó a m-banc a a-cníc éum pPáin, 
Tr ceiae Tr ir cneao 'T iT cegT, a a-cníocaib Páil. 


IulL 
PaoISIOIN $eaódaiN uí CON4IÚ(L. 


(lomuim péin le oeánaib, oeanbaim, 
óun canaó liom bnéiéne baoéa mallmaáce, 

Cun bnón oeanóil an Céain na a-comacc ; 
(In can saeannarp an éléin le paoban palcanuip, 
TFuain ceannap ir céim man aon le Deaoan alic, 

4 s-conóin álóine as reapaim 'pan Rón; 





13. ánoa: M and A áanse. Another MS. gives reading in text. 
Is. This line is obscure. cóÓmall — “confederation, acting together ' (2) 
I6. Seon seems — Coinn, the Bishop's name. 


LI.—The author of this and the following poem, John O'Connell, has been 
made by some writers Bishop of Kerry somewhere about 1700. But the evidenceis 
overwhelming against his ever having been Bishop of Kerry. Dr. Comerford, 
Archbishop of Cashel, writing to Rome, in the year 1699, states that there had been 
no bishop in the sees of Ardfert and Aghadoe for forty years, and after that date it 
is guite certain that Dr. Moriarty was the first Bishop. -We think it is even 


[ “as? 





LI. | POEMS BY OTHER POETS. 267 


There is not left to our bishops in hfe but high aspirataons, 

Long in the bondage of strife, sorely oppressed by the English, 

Without acting together in their distress as they stand bravely 
íor the Papal law, 

But John standing sinee mopnine as chief guard. 


The tears of my distress rush from my eyes like a drowning 
flood, 
And plough my cheeks in tracks injunously, 
Because of the ever-during mist and cloud and rain, 
2o While the Saxon horde are plundering us beneath the press of 
the harrow. 


The departure of the bishop, mild, gentle, fault]ess, 

Pious, skilful, fair in face and fame, 

To a distance, in a ship, to a land of exile, which is resolved on, 
Is a cause of distress and groaning and sorrow in the regions of 


Fál. 


IT. 
JOHN O'CONNELL'S CONFESSION. 


1 confess with tears, [ swear, 
That words of folly and evil have been spoken by me, 
Which have brought afflicting sorrow on the Father of Powers; 
When I lacerated with the edge of enmity the clergy 
Who obtained sway and dignity together with wise Peter 
Standing in Rome in a crown of glory; 





abundantly evident that O'Connell never took Holy Orders. The two poems 
which we give here seem to have been written by a layman. —Confessions 
such as these must not be interpreted too strictly- The violations of the 
Commandments and of the Seven Deadly Sins, he charges himself with, are to 
be understood in a general sense. O”Connell is best known for his “: Dirge of 
Ireland.” It would be difhcult to find in any literature a more splendid torrent 
of language than is commanded by O'Connell. In some passages he rises to sub- 
lime poetry, as in the simile of the snow in this poem, and the description of the 
Last Judgment in the next. 


Cn anppíonaio baoóail am béal ao labanaó, 


268 OúNc4 Le pPILUIOIÚ eile. Lu. | 


IO 


20 


39 


Ir ansnair onéacc nán méin liom o'aiéópir, 
Ir éicéioc anéíorrac—pléaccaimm ppalpaim-pe ; 
Féac an €asluir naomeéa beannumáce, 

Oc ocón ! oo bein oamainc oom cómain. 


Gr nn bappa ain sac baoéacc paosail o'án caicegp, 
Deis cancuiPneac caooac pPnaocman peanb, 
Le comanéa cóin na bpPlaiceap, mó bnón; 
Oo b'earmailceac éaoman méapaec maplaiáceac, 
Oo prsancaimn-pe rcnéaóc ao raléipeac psannalac, 
Le seó lóin mo éeanaan an reóbal; 
4s aénpir a m-béarp sun cnaop 3? canbap 
Cleaccaó an cneuo-po léisce an aipPrinn, 
Luéc oéanca ceasgipa 1 néicíoc anmnac, 
Saon ó peana-bnuio bnhéansail' Acheron, 
Scoc san só oo mainpear ao o€ó. 


Daó meablae mé-pa am' méin 'r am” aane, 

Oo lucóc caiéce na h-éioe irí cnéan oo pcnacainn-pe 
óac nóba leó ao calam aan cóin; 

Le mear onm péin can éisrab rpeanéaipr 

Prneabam am' néalcan aléineac cairómoihac, 
Cósbam cóinpre lapraim inn oóiáim. 

lr meapa me séacc a néim ná lWlahomec, 

Capcan lom céao pean céille ain meanball ; 

Feuc cán áabarpr anoae níl asam acc 

Rae beaga seannao oom'” P'aosal ne cairéíoim, 
Sin ceó anoir nómam 3T cá h-onao "na naeobao ? 


To beanca ao léi, IT éacc T ir aip pin, 

Le h-amanc am'éaoan ; léasapan, seallaimm-pe, 
To 5snóeca ppóince ain mullac enoic póp; 

Cioó meallaó me péin a a-céill nán b'easal uom 

Cealgs ón éaa, cioó léin ao leacpan me, 





9. rpalpam, “I swear”; ef. as rpalpaó leaban s : swearing reckless]y.” 
Ig. léasce: MS. leasaióce. — 24. luéc caiéórce mna h-éioe - the clergy. 
28. This line as translated reads like bathos ; perhaps cóÓinpe s cuinpe, and 


IO 


20 


39 


POEMS BY OTHER POETS. 269 


That the evil spirit of danger spoke in my mouth, 
And profane songs Í[ should not wish to repeat, 
And shameful lies—Í bow down and swear ; 
Behold the holy blessed Church, 

Alas! alas ! threatens damnation tor me. 


Here is the crowning of the hfe of folly which I have led; 
That I was contemptuous, violent, wrathful, bitter, 
To the true symbol of heaven, my grief ; 
Reproachfully, enviously, sharply, insultingls, 
Did I gave forth bantering in wantonness and seandal, 
With the sound of the speech of my tongue running on ; 
I related their habits, saying that 4t was gluttony and intemperanee 
That the tribe who celebrate Mass practised, 
That tribe who teach and save souls 
From the torments of the foul bondage of Acheron : 
A race that, without falsehood, will live for ever. 


Deceitful was Í in my disposition and in my mind; 
Forcibly did I tear from those who wear the vestments 

Every robe they had, to the ground, unjustlxy ; 
Esteeming myself above the bards of history 
I spring up as a star brulliant and shining, 

I híft a torch, Kindle, and burn; 
It were worse Í[ came into power than Mahomet, 
Gave me but a hundred men of fanatieal minds; 
Whither did I go yesterday 7 “There remains to me 
But a short space of my hfe to spend; 

 Lo the mists are before me and whither shall I go? 


All my actions—it is a wonder and disgraece— 
Can be seen on my íorehead. “There will be read, 1 aver, 
My deeds of pastime hereafter on a mountain/s top; 
'Though so deceived was Í in my reason that I feared not 
A sting from death, albeit it be certain that I shall be entombed 





that laraim and oóróáim hase a neuter sense. 


3o. céille ain meanball - ain meanball céille, 
31. a n-oge, the part of his life already spent (?). 


49 


5o 


6o 


mo 


OúNC4 Le plUíOI1D eile. [t. 


0 s-comnuimn oeanóil san capa aan cneóin, 
San labaince san léim aan néim san nabnao, 
San caiéin ioná ppéir a. n-aon oom' leanba, 
(léc oaoil am ceneaclac cléib óá aeannao, 
Nán b'péioim reapaimn am” aon le balaiee, 

'S a Comaccais Póin ain m'anam 'pan nóo. 


Caoó éaircear mo Taosal so bnhéasac baramácoc, 
lr sun cleaccap-Tma claona clé nán ceanairo oam, 
Scnóó oá Pónc oo óálacar man meón, 
óan rsamal man éiaop éianeac aéipeac, 
Nó bpanan ag oéanainm béile ain ablac, 
Dóise peóla capall ag oneóóaó ; 
Nó camina bhnéan a m-béillic cannaiae, 
Cpneapsanéda pgaon pá ónéin an cs-pamhnaió, 
óun raéisear mo pceasnac cnéaccac cealasac, 
Céapoa ceacanóa a n-éaoan eagaailpe, 
Cm? ómmao ppóinc as masaó pán Óno. 


Caiópíom ao léin le céile peapram 

(un Pleapraib an c-Sléibe an can álaoópaió an s-ainmol, 
Ue reól a éeóil na mainb beno beó ; 

LUarpaio na ppéanóa 3T pléarspaio sanb-enasc, 

Cannaiseac” naobpao ir séimpao an léacan-muin, 
Cn cóinneac oóispíó peanaimn 3p póíio; 

Deió plaiceap na naom ao léin ain baille-eopó, 

Saaiprío na neulea 31T néalca paneaip, 

Deió sné na neanna 103in ánéim 3T sealara, 

THan rméin san caioníom le h-éisíon eaala, 
Cun PFlóisáeib paeón nom Leanb na h-óa. 


Deíioó caioníom na naoim man T'séin an c-Tneaosa, 

(8 cancain palc néióe, ao réim as ralmaineaóc, 
Ue óinpaoe ónóa asul' Canticles éeóil; 

Ma h-aprcail ag céacc as oéanaimn anic/0p, 





59 et seg. Cf. the following deseiiption of the Day of Judgment :— 


Lá oub oonóa bnónac baoáaalac, 

Cmnioórpaíó na plaioir ir larpaió na rpéanca, 

beió nuíóe neóóa ceó "sur? caona 

(nuar oá a-caióearm na sa-ceaóannaib cnéana. jN0NV?H0v4s. 


amanna 


men m—mvvv".,vYNw———m.w—.ww——,v. 


| 
. 





LI. | POEMS BY OTHER POETS. 941 


In a miserable cofiin without vigour or hfe, 
4o “Without speech, without motion, without sway, without sportive- 
ness, 
Without love or regard for any of my children ; 
But chafers within my breast, cutting it, 
While it will be impossible to stand beside me beeause of the 
stench, 
And O Thou Mighty One, relieve my soul in its path. 


Though I spent my life in falsehood and injury, 

And practised evil, sinister deeds that were not good for me, 
An extravagance of this kind did I take up as a notion, 

Lighting with fury, hke a sharp, shameless satirist, 

Or like ravens maline a meal on a dead careass— 

so The putrid decaying ílesh of a horse 

Or a foul sewer in a huge rock, 

Open and exposed to the summer s sun, 

I belched forth my injurious, stinging vomit, 

Annoying, vilifying, in the face of the Church; 
A fool in my diversion throwing ridicule on the clergy ! 





We must all take our stand together 

On the sides of the mountain, when the angel] shall summon ; 
By means of his music the dead shall live; 

The heavens shall be ablase, and rugged hills shall burst asunder, 

6o BRocks shall be rent, and the wide ocean shall roar, 

Thunder shall burn up plains and fields, 

Heaxven of the saints shall tremble in every part, 

The stars and the clouds of Paradise shall seatter, 

The appearance of the heavenly bodies, both sun and moon, shall 

be 

As blackberries, without brightness, through the Ííorce of terror, 

Hosts ghall be affrighted before the Son oí the Virgin. 


The brightness of the saints will be as the beauty of snow, 
As they sing pleasant songs with íreedom and delightfully chant 
psalms, 
With beautiful melodies and cantacles of music; 
7o “The apostles will come and make jubilation, 


272 


8o 


9o 


OdNcC4 Le plUOI1Ó eile. [u. 


lr Danalcpa an €0in na naelcean banna onna, 

(t(s cabainc eólain oóib ao plaieeap-bnogs próscnl; 
óaé anam boóc claon oo naob na h-aieeansa, 
((s rsaneaocna T as éiáíoim “p as éilíom panéaip, 
Óo leunman leacuisece oaon-óub oamansa, 
Faon, san meabain ná néim ain éapao aco, 

Oá n-oóiseaó ao oeó 3íoin lapanaib ceó. 


(I bpeanpain 3an océacc oon (ton lilac ceannaip pin, 
Deió preapaim an” Peucains, pPnaoc 1 ePeana nine, 
Ue comaécsa a óálóine labanpaió leó : 
Oeanccaió na cnéacsa séana sneaouisée 
Oo naogaó ao h-aeib chím” éaob oo bun n-oeapac-pa, 
Than oo pcnócaó m'peoil ó baeéap ao peón ; 
óac caannae am” blaol'a oo bléapa mo naimaiío-pe, 
'S an c-reanb-óeoc binéisne bnéin oo éabaince oam, 
Can éir me ceanagal le ceuo ao oainsean, 
'S mo séasaa ain rpapa 10 an oaon-eénoil' cneapna, 
lr me am” róno rpóins as maic1b na plóa. 


Oecun ir Con Tic, éism aip aréóoim pub, 
Ssneaoaim an Naoi Spíonao, man aon, an €eaalaip, 
Cneós cén món mo ppcainn-pe leó, 
Tnaiéíom oom paon ó T léin sun aóniáseac, 
Ir sunab anbpann mé pá leun le paocuinpe, 
Tr oeóna ceó “na pnaóaib lem” Pnóin ; 
Na h-anamna a6éill oo renae na naaban, 
Oo éannaimae ain éónéao na a-caonac aécnaim, 
ólaoóaim-pe ain éabain so h-eupra: na n-amnanrol, 
Tan aon ne Danalcna péanlais panóaip, 
€óin seal ónóa Deaoan in Pól. 





9I. cneóá (?). 


95 et seg. The order seems to be slaoóaimm ain éabain na n-amnaíol, &e. ; 


na h-anamna oo éannainae, &e. 


LI. | 


8o 


9o 


POEMS BY OTHER POETS. 


And the nurse-mother of the Only Son will be a supreme 
over them, 

Showing them the way to delightful heavenly mansions. 
Every poor perverse soul that broke the commandments, 
Shrieking, and crying, and elaiming Paradise, 

Sorrowfully entombed, black-guilty, damned, 
Feeble, without understanding, or power to return, 
Will be burned for ever amid hot flames. 


When the meek Only Son shall come in person; 

Force, anger, and venomous wrath shall be in his looks, 
He will speak to them by the power of his glory: 

Behold the sharp, piercing wounds 

That were made in my side to the heart for your sakes, 
How my flesh was rent from head to foot; 

Each nail which my enemy drove into my head, 

And the bitter drink of foul vinegar they gave me, 

After they had tied me firmly with a rope, 

And my arms were nailed sideways on the guilty cross, 
While I was mocked at by the leaders of the hosts. 


O Father, and Thou Onlgs Son, 1 ery out and beseech you. 
I call upon the Holxy Spirit and on the clergy also— 
Great though my strugele with them has been— 
To forgive me and set me free, since 1 am plainly repentant, 
Since I am feeble and aflliicted through sorrow, 
While hot tears come in streams from along my nostrils; 
'The souls who yielded to the waywardness of the goats 
To bring back to the flock of the sheep, 
I call swiftly upon the help of the angels, 
Together with the jewelled mother-nurse of Paradise, 
John the Baptast the illustrious, Peter and Paul. 


Sa 


star 





96. oo éannaina : MS. oo éóanac, as pronounced. 


WOL.. III. T 


274 OúNO4 Le PIUOIÓ eile. [rn. 


Jl 
oanag P4a0ois!OIN S$ea4óaiN uí CON4ÍLL. 


(lomuim mo beansa anoir ao oéanac oúbac, 

Cé easal oam, oc! m'anacnaó ! sun oéaánac oúinn, 
Cné leanamain na a-cama-P'lhóáce a-claon aan cúip, 
Uarpac oo 5neaoaó liom ip baoóáal am” cionn. 


Clomuimm ouic (léann iúl aonoa ain o-cúip, 

Oo Leanb óil a rpanna chuire céapoa bnhúiseaó, 
Canbarp aun cleaócap-pa, ir cnaop ir onúir, 

Tr preallaineaóc im pPalcanap in sao9 17 cnúó. 


(fomuim ouic (lnaío-Spíonano i? naomsa snúip, 
Io óun cealsac le cealsaineacc mo beul ain púbal, 
Eán rpannaneac oo ppalpaimnn-pe na ppnéaca mionn, 
'S nán b'peanna liom ceanc asam-pa ná an rc-éiseac cnú. 


(1 Danalcna seal aeanamnac lic Oé na n-oúl, 

Clomuim ouis malluáoeacc mo Paoácil ó eúip, 

óun éabap-pa leao” Leanb-pa iT leac péin bun-op-caonn, 
"4 an maona oub calcaiáce na peipe am' olúnro. 


Chnail áil baó óeannapac peoc aon ooo' ónúins 
Oo Peapaib imp na pPlaieapaib san pcaon oon cnúc, 
(I[omuim ouic banbaineacc mo béil nán búió 

2o 'S sac peaca uilc oo éanap-pa lem” aéib ao olúe. 


(lomuim anoir m'anacha 31? mo énéaóca oúba, 

(Im? salanac bocc peannuoeac a b-péin 'Tr a b-puóain, 

Oon lilac baipeiséeac len ceasaipaeaó hénoo oún, 

Ir cné an ceasapra pin aun cailleaó ler, an plaora oá 
íonn. 





4. It is best to take in, baoóal with am” éíonn. 

7. We must not take such self-aceusations too literally ; they imply a pious 
gpirit, but cover all the ground of the moral law in a stereotyped fashion. 

Is. áabar uun op cionn le -— : 1 walked in opposition to.' 





LII. | POEMS BY OTHER POETS. 275 


Tube 
ANOTHER CONFESSION BY JOHN O'CONNELL. 


I confess, now, my deeds tearfully and sadlyx— 

Though I fear, alas, my misery ! that 3t is too late for me— 
Through £íollowing perverse evil ways, without cause, 

The danger hangs over me of flames being stirred up íor me. 


I confess to 'Thee, first, O sweet, only Father, 

Whose beloved Son was bruised, tortured, extended on a cross, 
That I practised intemperance, and gluttony, and lust, 

And deceit, and envy, and stubbornness, and gjealousy. 


I confess to Thee, O noble Spimit of holy countenance, 

IO That my mouth kept speakine deceitftully through knavery ; 
Bo that I gave Íorth in bitterness showers of oath-curses ; 
Nordiad I prefer to be in the right rather than miserablxy to he. 


O lovine, bright nurse-mother of the Son oí God of the 
elements, 

I confess to thee the wieckedness of my hfe from the beginning, 

That I have walked in opposition to thy Child and thee, 

While the black dog was Íondled, a monster, in my breast. 


O bright angel, who held sway beyond any of thy company, 
Who stood in the heavens without yieldine to envy, 
I confess to thee the profanity of my impious mouth, 

2o Aud every wicked crime I íondly cherished in my heant. 


I confess now my miserable state and my black wounds 
Poor, diseased creature that [ am, in pain and misery, 

To the Baptist by whom the obdurate Herod was admonished, 
And who lost his head through that admonition. 





I6. an maona oub - ithe devil.” 
I7—18. St. Michael the Archangel; envy is said to have given rise to the 
rebellion of the angels. 


T2 


276 OdNcC4 Le pAUIOI1D eile. [un. 


Clomuimm oo na h-appcalaib, ní céiaimm ain nún, 

Oo Deaoan im oon appcal-pan nae péioin liom 
(tnm cine am” nanncub óun a n-éipeaóc óusam, 
Tan maona ao s-capraimn-pe pá pséis na m-bnúcrc. 


((omuim oo na h-ainaíolcnb ip oo aaé aon “p an oún 
3o Danéai; ir o'Adéain-oroe an Oisne ólúmuail, 

Cné óeanmao na n-aiéeansa sun ónéis mo Púil, 

'S an mancna oom'” leasaó-pa apm léise am' eúl. 


Oo slanaó me “p an m-baiprece man paéinh na a-colún, 
Mó caioneaim cníopoail pneacsa áil oo FPéioeapr éusainn 
Can prleapaib énoic lá eannais óuib “na Plaooaib ciuóa, 
Ció prsapar nir an raabal pin, mo méala oúbac ! 


Sealao oam paoi an psabal pm, oo pléira cis céusam, 
LUaonann 3T' cannamaeann me a m-baoáóalaib ponac, 
Tan maona pá n leanarp leir ain éill óum piubail, 

40 "Sap caióníomac oo lapaimn le na Péioegó púm. 


Oo b? anam óéum an aipninn ag céacc le ponn, 
Oo óeanmaoainn na palma oo léiseaó an mo slúin, 
Salcoin Tiluine Deannnióce éum Oé ní oubanc, 
'S cné éancuipne oon Gaalaip níon éiroíiop piú. 


Ní oeacna ai an álapnao agc bnaon oon onúócc, 

Ná sain cis na eannaib le caopaó conn, 

CC n-oeanb-uimnn, seallaim, eéun a a-cléinceap oúinn, 
Ná peaca cnuimne asam-pa coin cléibe am” eúm. 





25. ní ó6éiáim : M8. ní n-oeisim. 

26. St. Paul. Dó1, with its long Ó sound, could not find a place in this metre. 

3o. (léain-oioe -— St. Joseph. 

31-32. If rúil be taken — “eye,” we might translate, “my eye hath waned.' 
It ig possible that we should read na h-anóeanca, and take cné óeanmap 
absolutely, “through forgetfulness my eye (i.e. myself) abandoned the command- 
ments.' 





LIT. | 


39 


49 


POEMS BY OTHER POETS. 2417 


I confess to the Apostles—L keep it not secret— 

To Peter, and to that apostle whose proper name 

I eannot bring into my verse effeetively, 

That like a dog I used to return to the overflow of vomitings. 


I confess to the angels and to each one in the stronghold 

Of Paradise, and to the Foster-Father of the renowned Heir, 

That through forgetfulness of the commandments my hope 
has abandoned me 

While I totter in decrepitude and my head is grey. 


I was eleansed in baptism pure as the beauty o£f doves, 

Or the crystal brightness of the white snow which blows 
upon us 

Over the slopes of a hill on a black spring day in freguent 
flakes, 

Although, my doleful loss! I parted with that robe. 


When I was for a time in that robe suddenly there comes 
to me 

A robber who draws me into oceasions of danger, 

I followed him on like a dog led by a thong, 

And pleased did I light up at all that he suggested to me. 


Seldom did I go to Mass with desire, 

1] forgot to read the psalms on my knees. 

I did not recite the Psalter of Holy Mary to God, 

And through contempt for the clergy I listened not to them. 


H is not more difhieult, every drop of dew on the green herbage, 

Or the sand that comes in heaps with the flowing tide, 

To count in exact numbers, I aver, 

Then the full number of the sins in my breast beside my 
heart. 








33. This line slightly halts in metre; perhaps we should read Oo salanab 
annr an m-bairce me, &e. 

37. 9o Pléira- oo óeinc, “ suddenly.” 

40. cf. “cá re ag réióeaó púin,” “he is urging me on, he is tempting me: 
MS. rúsam. 

458. peaca - peacóa, older plural. 


278 


so 


6o 


OdúNc4 Le p1U0I1D eiue. [wn. 


Oo maineap-Ta le bnhanaineacc man Paoleoin céin, 
(Is alpaineacoc aaé ablai baoó bnéine am bnúnro; 
(lomuim na h-aiéeansa oo naobao liom, 

Cpé an b'easal oam beis oamansceda “oi ogaolaib oúba. 


Ní h-easla beis oamanceda íoin oaolaib oúba, 
NMá caióníom oo na pPlareíopaib ip pnéim oom' eúir, 
([Cc acuinpre oo álacap-pa asurp léin-rpapíor oúbac, 
TFeapna eéun an éasnaóoc lic Oé san cpúis. 


Ció meapa me ain óamancaóc ná aon oán paúbail, 
Taieeacap oo áeabaimn-pe asup éirceaoc urmal, 
(lec praneaoaó auic le sanéa aoil aip eiáme in húa, 
Cum banalcnan an Oalca ail nán émaa cpú. 


(ún an aóban pan onc acnam a béis san prmúics, 
(Un amaiíolaib ain appcalaib “e ain naomaib úino, 
Tan éeanmuim éinc casanéóa ao cneun am“ éúir 
In maiceacarp oo saeabao-pa má óoéinío piúo. 


(leain-oiroe beannmaáée oon óléin "ra enú, 

Caneanac bein ceasapa óam oá naéilleann cú, 

Cn sac aapnaonn oá n-abnain ao h-éags suió liom, 

]r seallaimm-pe má Pneasnain nac baosal oom puóan. 


65. As in the usual formula, he addresses himself to the Confessor. 


TiT.| 


5o 


6o 


POEMS BY OTHER POETS. 2419 


I lived by prowling like a guiet wolf, 

Goreine the most putrid carrion, brute as I was; 

I confess the commandments were violated by mc, 

Because of which I fear I may be damned among black 
chafers. 


It is not the fear of being damned amone black chafers, 

Or love for the heavens that is the root of my trouble, 

But sorrow 1 have conceived and doleful tribulation 

At having enraged the wisdom of the Son of God, without 
eause, 


Though I be deeper in damnation than any man that ever 
walked, 

I would get pardon and a willing hearing, 

Let me but cry bitter]y, with tearful screams, and shrieks, and 
moans. 

To the Mother-Nurse of the Bright Child, who has not refused 
a wretch. 


For that reason I cry out to thee, O woman without blemish, 
To the angels, to the apostles, and to the saints of the Orders, 
As a true protection of powerful intercession in my cause; 
And 3f they be that, I will obtain forgiveness. 


O Father, holy teacher to the clergy and their tribe, 

In charity teach me all that Thou believest, 

In every Mass which thou wilt say until death pray for me, 
And, I aver, if thou respondest, I need not fear hurt. 


280 oúNca Le pIUOIÚ eile. [un. 


JEiii)t, 
mgaccNaií 4 5-C1LL cuasa. 
Le Concuban Ua Ríonoáin. 


Feuc a peaca, a peanra na pníom-ualle, 
Cnéaccasa, éealsda, Ceacanóaa, ónoióe-óuapais, 
PFaobnaa, Peansaa, Palcanma, Píll-Puaonana, 
Caooda, casancai, cancui?Pnia, cínn-éóugiPaince. 


Feuc ao oeanbéóa a naeasa aac cíll cuaca, 

("n plaopsacab cann ao bneapalac buioóe ain pPuanaó, 
4 prsénn so rasamalac, manb ain ofé luaóaille, 

(I nané san caicníom, san anam, san oíon ouancain, 


óan léim, san labainc, aan oealb, san olaoi ánuaise, 
io óan éipeaóc eaócna o'aiéni?' ao anínn-oluanac, 

óan ceím san ceannag' san canairo aan éaoin-óuallaocc, 

Oá n-éir san o'aóban "na leabaió acc mín-luaiéneac. 


Le h-eipeacoc oeanbéa in oeacain a níom uainne, 
Caa oo Pealbaia anam aac cníon-cnuaille ? 
Céaosca o'aimnaiíolaib plaéip an Rís uaécnaa, 
Seac pagoó oo óeamnaib malluiáce míoó-Fuammnip. 





LIII.— The author of this, and the following poem was a native of West 
Muskery, and lived for a time in theneighbourhood of Macroom. He was known as 
Conchubhar Maighistir, as he taught classics and their native tongue, as well 
as English, to the youths of his day. His literary life lay chiefly between 1735 
and 1765. His name has continued for a century and a half a household word, not 
only in Muskery, but in Kerry, where there are many closely related to him to the 
present day. He is remarkable for the sweetness as well as graee and finish of 
his verse, and has written some excellent speeimens of contemplate poetry. “The 
meditation on human life which we give here reminds one forcibly of Gray”s 
“ Elegy in a Country Churchyard ” ; both were written about the same time. The 
metre, with its solemn endings, is admirably adapted to serious poetry ; and it is 


LII. | POEMS BY OTHER POETS 281 


LIII. 
A MEDITATION IN A COUNTRY CHURCH YABI). 
By CoNcHUBHAR O'”'RIOoRDpAN. 


Look, O sinner, thou offspring (lit. person) of the first, pride, 
Who art wounding, deceitful, soiled, hollow-hearted, 
Spiteful, wrathful, contentaous, disposed to treachery, 
Inconstant, impertinent, offensive, most stubborn. 


Look, indeed, at the entrance to any country churchyard, 

On the skulls of the graves, of greasy red and sellow, as they 
moulder, 

Their beauty obscured, and dead without motion, 

Their countenance without loveliness, without hfe, without 
defence from the rain, 


Without spring, without speech, without shape, without a lock 
of hair, 
io Without the power of rehearsing a tale with witty flattery, 
Without sway, without rule, without a frend, without pleasant 
companions, 
Without any substance leít behind them where they lay but fine 
ashes. 


It is truly difhicult for us to tell precisely 

Who has taken possession of the souls of each withered careass : 
The hundreds of angels in the heaven of the Supreme King, 

Or a host of evil, restless demons ? 











hardly too much to say that there are few finer pieces of its kind in any 
language. "The Address to the Blessed Virgin Mary, which forms the binding of 
LIV. íor loftiness of thought and imagery, deserves a high place among the pro- 
ductions of the lyric muse. 


8. oíon ouancainn refers probably to the hair of the head. 
I5. T5oím-rsauabaia - : wealth-snatching” or “ wealth-sweeping ' (?). 





282 


20 


39 


49 


OúNOd4 Le p4LIOI1D eile. [rnr. 


(tí eléina cleaécar a leabnaib laoi-óuana, 

Saoéan ceasaipa na n-appcal 'r an níó luaóaoan, 
Séamup, Deaoan, ar THlanpcurp oo paníob pcuana, 
lr ná oéanpaó canbar beaéóa ná píonsa ugbnpneac. 


4 raosalcas éancmpma, Plaocrócias, raím-rauabara, 
Oo naobap aéeanca beannumáée an Rís uaócnas, 


. Nluna n-oénpan aiséneacap paocuinpeac cnoióe-buanéóa, 


1r baosáal aunab easal ouis bnheasanna laoi an uamain. 


To leun ! mo lasan ! mo leasaó ! ir mo líon-luaprsaó ! 
Feuc cán áabaoan onasuin na m-bnpnuióean-c-pluaiáce, 
Laocna mcinb a a-caéannaib sníom-uaiple 
Déin ir ana IT naéanac nimhe a bpuapaib. 


Feuc cá naabann an panane píon-cuanoac, 

Saopan meanóa meacansa míon-snuaadaó, 

Oo Paoénais realb sac eaéain 3T cíor cuanca, 

lr oo naobaó ognaneaec” bailce le buióean c-pluasac. 


Na laoecna leaoain-ramop leabain-mac Dníom uapal, 

Oo cnéaccaia Cúcill cné meabail sé'n mhío-óuainim, 

(ín bé eéua cnearaainc oá oeapacuab 'pan Cnpaoi ip. cua n- 
sain, 

4 prséin nae aicnío peace ainimh na mío-rnuaóac. 


Feuc ain beaéa na b-peanacon b-píon-Fuaineir, 
Feuc na caéanna calma bí a m-buannaóc, 
Uaosane Caimbne Caéal ir Cuimn uaine, 

1r CConaur aanmáeal aimimean, onaoi cuanoac. 





24. MS. luamain ; the Day of Judgment, it used to be thought, would fall 
on a Monday. (luamam - luain ?), which isotherwise believed to be an unluecky 


day. 


15). After line 24 A. has the following additional stan;va :— 


lT cnean baiap peaca oub mallunáaée an óélaoim-uabain, 
1r méin cum maéeeap na a-canao oo Plíobao uaéa, 
CGoncacc aane as meallaó aac níos-Tcuoihne, 

'San cnaor 'na h-aice ao reapamac Taisego-ouansoac. 


20 


39 





49 





LIII. | POEMS BY OTHER POETS. 28a. 


Thou cleric, familiar, in books of verse-poems, 

With the labounrs of teaching of the apostles and the thines they 
said, 

James, Peter, and Mark, who wrote texts, 

And who were not intemperate in their living or in proud wines. 


Thou worldhne, contemptuous, rapacious, wealth-snatching, 

Who breakest the holy commandments of the Supreme King, 

H thou dost not repent in sorrow and trouble o£ heart, 

It is to be feared that thou hast to dread the judgments of the 
day of terror. 


My woe! my weakness ! my overthrowinge! and my full agita- 
tion ! 

See whither they have gone—the wartrioss of hosted bands, 

Champions who slew in noble feats of chivalry, 

Bears and giants and snakes in their dens. 


See whither goes the valiant man of much marching, 

Caesar, the active, the gentle, of smooth hair, 

Who won the possession of every city and the tribute of harbours, 
And who saeked towns and strongholds with warlike ecompames. 


The heroes whom the nimble son of noble Pnam mangled and 
destroyed, 

He whom Achilles wounded through treachery though unex- 
pectedly, 

The lady who by her deeds brought on Troy ruin and chastase- 
ment— 

Their beauty is not known from the blemish of the ill-visaged, 


Look at the hves o£t the truly-pleasant warriors, 

Look at the steadfast battalions who were engaged in service, 
Laoghaire, Cairbre, Cathal, and Conn the green, 

And Aongus of bright arms, the swift magician of much marching ; 


284 OdNC4 Ue PILUIOID eile. [um. 


Feuc nae aénio a b-peanpa ná a naosan rncuamóca, 
Le léasaó na leacan ná lapain a lí luaimneac, 

Deul ná oeanca ná mala ná píon-eluapa, 

(C6c plaoo oo éann-ónuim oeacsa “na n-oíos-uamanaib. 


Trá oéancan pealb na b-plaiceap le baonin uallaia, 
Cnaor san meapanóacc, onamanna ain oíé paaimni,, 
Deul an blaocine ag blaipreaó sac bfó buacanra, 

]r baoec oo eaiceaoan appeail an Rís a a-cuanoa, 


Ná oéinegao coaipae oá nalacaó ná cníoec éenuapaia, 

so Ma séiseao "na neaóaib ain eacna ánoioe aánuas40o, 
(cc céaolonagaó paoa le ceasal'a sac onuins cuaócil 
(Tr san o'éaoac aco acc bnacaéa nínn-nuainniía. 


Oo néimnn an c-Aléain a b-panéarp, oínn buannaó, 

(In céao-pean asuin oo óealbais Fíon-éuan ann, 
Cus rpéanéóa mana ap calam an c-paoiáil puar oo, 
(éc léisíon o” aball na h-aiéne ain cnaoib Ppuanaia. 


Seéimh na n-anaíol ó baearp a éfnn o'Puaócua ain, 
(ls céacc ao cnaiácib "na paabal man óíon pPuaócca, 
Oo néinn leir manasda, mhainpeaó ao o-cí an uain po, 
6o Oá n-oéineaó leanmuin o'aiéeanca an Rís aonbaic leip. 


([ n-oéió an peaca oo eeals an éníon-euallaoc, 

(1 néisceac ceapca oo Pacail an Rís muanóoa, 

([on oo peanranaib beannúáece an Cnín uapail, 

([s raonaó I'Veacca na h-eapauine bí a nauaipeaocrc, 
Ó 


(tin léiseaó na bhneaéóa oo ain prleapaib an álínn uaómain, 
Diaío eléin na n-appeal a a-cneaoaib oo cnoióe-buanea, 
Tan oaolaib oealb na n-ainaírol a mín ouancan, 

(([n c-aen ain lapaóo “p an calaim “na nínn nuaóain. 





44. MS. uaónaib, the “ eavities” where their eyes and ears and mouths should 


be. 45. a a-cuanoa, “ the journey of their lives, their lives.” 

53. néinn - niínne ; perhaps buannda0 - “plaee of abode,' and oínn - ouínn 
— oúmh. 

062. oo Pacail — “he trod” (/e ear, as man. 





LIII. | POEMS BY OTHER BPOETS. 285 


5o 


6o 


Bee how their person or their beautiful figure eannot be 
recogmised 

By scanning of their cheeks, or by the blase of their vivid hue ; 

They have no mouth, or eyes, or eyebrows, or real ears, 

But a layer of elotted maggots pressed into their trenchéd cawvities. 


Hí the possession of the heavens be obtained by proud vanity, 
Gluttony without moderation, drinks with discord, 

By the mouth of the flatterer tasting every pleasing food, 

In íolly did the apostles of the King spend their course of life, 


Who did not treasure or hoard up what they received, 

Who did not gallop on troops of strong horses with flowing 
manes; 

But kept lone fasts and taught each erring tribe, 

With no dress save ceoarse and bristling garments. 


The Father made subjects of us in Paradise ; 

The first man of our race— He raised a great multitude from him, 
He gave up to him the air, the seas, the lands of the worlds, 

Let him but leave untouched the £forbaidden apple on one small tree. 


From the crown of his head he clothed him with angelic beauty 

Which came down to his feetimn arobe as a protection from the cold; 

He made a compact with him—he would have led to this day 

Had he but obeyed the commandments of the King which he 
gave him. 


After the sin that had stung our ancient race, 

The Majestac King trod the earth for the release of our difeulty, 
One of the Blessed Persons of the noble Trmity, 

To save the people under a curse who were in trouble. 


While He shall pronounce judement on the sides of the vale of 
terror, 

The clergy of the Apostles will tremble in affliction of heart, 

The angels will be in form like chafers through sheer mourming, 

The air will be abla;e, and the earth all uptorn. 


286 


79 


8o 


oúNc4a Le p1al1oiD eile. [um. 


1r paobnac pneapa na bpeana ao Píon-luaimneac, 
Tr é le cainbe éeapoarp an éágaoil-cuallaóc, 

méin leira cnapaiáse ceanacil aac clíó buain-pin, 
óan oéinc oo éabainc ná acainc ain Cníopc éuana. 


4 Óé na b-plasearp a b-peannano oo éóuíll cnuaió pann 
Saon-re m'anam ó cealsaib paofaego uaóa : 

Cn oaon Spíonao oamanca, oeaman an Píll uaomain, 

Cn paoásal 'r an cann-ceonp clearpnnáéeac claoimn-éuanogac. 


lr céiseam le maccnaim na meanmna a b-pníoim-uaisnegp, 
(ls oéanam cancaipne ain éainbe an c-Tpaoiáil Puanara, 
(ls néicioec eannaioe an (éan 'T an c-Sgaoi o'Puapsail 

Na céaosa a b-peannaíio-bnuíio Acheron Píon-uacmhain. 


ID, 
PaOISIOIN CONCUDd4IR uí RÍOROÚÓINM. 


Ctomuim péin ao oéanac, oíoneónac, 

CC n-aaéneacap Séan can éir mo óníoim anóca, 
O'maéeanca Oé ná oéinmnn scin-éóneóna, 

1r sun b'aice lom claonsea clé na clíó-Peóla. 


Daó cealsac cnaopac cnéaccac cnoióe-cnóluio 
The as rseanaó aac pséil ao h-éiceac íoscónac; 
CI nsealluinn níon méin lom é oo Píon-coimall, 
'S ar manna oon bé oo óéanpaó línn comanle. 


Oo b'anaim me as pléaccaó as caob na a-cill-oóinpe, 
([s maccnaim ao m-béinn man aon oon ónuimn-ceóiniíoin, 
(ls amanc na o-cnéin-pean cnéimpe bí neomainne 

4 s-ceannap an c-Taoac, áléaproa, ánoióe-eóipeía. 





;o-—va. 'These lines are obseure: MS. ceansaal; buan — “holding out, 
resisting” (?). The general gense is in accordance with the text—"' Depart from Me 
ye cursed, &e., for I was hungry, and ye gave me not to eat, &e.' 








L1v. | POEMS BY OTHER POETS. 287 


Keen are the showers of wrath with true actiwity ; 
7o And this is what the aflicted band profess for their advantage— 
A slothful, stingy clemeney that restrained every resisting heart, 
of these 
From giving alms or from entreating the noble Christ. 


O God of Heaven, who hast dearly purchased us in pain, 
Deliver my soul from the deceitful darts of these— 

The guilty damned spint, the demon of dread treachery, 

The world, and the lumpish body, eunning, of perverse ways. 


And let us go by the meditation of our minds into deep solitude, 
To contemn the goods of the miserable world, 
And to free ourselves from the anger of the Father, and of the 
Noble One who hberated 
8o MHundreds trom the painful bondage of much dreaded Acheron. 





ILiv.. 
CONCHUBHAR O'RIORDAN'S CONFESSION. 


I confess tearfully, and devoid of strength, 

In bitter repentance after my misdoings, 

That I was not mildly led by the commandments of God ; 
And that I preferred the sinister, perverse ways of the flesh. 


Deceitfully, eagerly, wound-inflicting, in agony of heart, 
Did I pour out every gossip in falsehood and injustice ; 
What I promised, I did not wish to fulail, 

And woe to the woman who gave me her confidence. 


Seldom did I bow beside churchyard gates, 

io BPondemnng that | should be as one of that vast multitude ; 
Looking upon the great men who lived some time before us, 
In the sovereignty of the adorned, mighty, coach-loving world. 





76. For cann-conp, e/. cann-cnuimm, line 44 awpra. 
78. Puanaa : M8. Puanaéc. 


288 oáNca Le pPIUOID eile. [un. 


(In c-anam oo ééióinn, níon b'é mo pmaoinceóineaór : 
óGóun balb an béal baó bnéasaec bínn-paéolac, 

óan balaee as céaopaíó claon na ppíom-Pnóna, 

'S sun rmaócuiáce paon oeanc pméioe an pmípcéona. 


Ní oeacna naellce an aein oo énuinn-ceóiníoih, 
Ná alapana aim óáéasacib cnaob, ná coill cnópac, 
Ná sain oo ééro le caopagó cuinn bócna, 
;o “Ná a a-cleaccouinn acac lae oo naobaó olfáe an Comaccaa; 


Na ceaeéanna bnaon cun Péan á$lar Pín-neona, 

Mó manroiíon non ánéin ain o-céacc oon mín-póaman, 
"Ná peaca man céile céinoe am élí éomnuia ; 

3 a maiéíoim leo” óaonnaéóc (lenmic aoino oeónua. 


(t(leaban na o-cégx pé léacean lann oócap: 

Oá malluiséeaóc aon má ólaoóann ao cnoióe-óéonac, 
óun a maiseaógal raon a óéio oon áníoim cónpa, 

(cc panmuin ao néió scan "éir an rháe póóáanca. 


Cleemnaim péin in éiáaimm ao slínn-ólónac, 
3o (léan na naoinm 1 Réa na Cníonóioe, 
((n peappa le pém a éóléib oo paon plóisce 
'S an C(lnaro Spíonao Maoméa néióeap, agó míoóóóap, 


Oo neanceusg an óléin an m-beié oéanac oiéneónac, 
Leasaice o'éir a naelcean níá-eólaip, 

Lén labain “na m-béal na bnhéiéne praoiraeólca, 

([s ceasapas agn rpéir sac aon oon naimaío-éomanpain, 


Dé asuib-pe, a raoscil, Flaooaia, Flím-Prlósaa, 
Mán eéeanamaia man mép: a m-baoasalaib míooócuinr 
lr oeanbéa an paéal oo néin na naoim-eolac 

40 0 Plairéeal' ao néió ao naóaio agn milceoineacrc. 





TEYAÍ| POEMS BY OTHER POETS. 289 


20 


3o 


49 


On the few oceasions I went thither, my reílections were not: 

That silent is the mouth that was lying, tuneful in gossip; 

That there is no smelling in the perverse sense of what was once 
the nose; 

And that subdued and weak is the smiling eye of the smiter. 


It is not more difiieult to count exactly the stars of the heavens, 

Or the green leaves on the branches of a tree, or a wood of nuts, 

Orthe sand that goes with the flowing of the waves of ocean, 

Than the violations of the law of the Almighty that I daily 
practised. 


Nor more difficult to count the showers of drops on the green 
grass at eventade, 

Or at morning before sunrise, when mild autumn comes on, 

Than the sins that abided in my breast as companions of my 
work ; 

And do thou, O High Only Son, deign to forgive them in thy 
clemency. 


In the Book of texts we read of hope: 

How wicked soever one may be, 1f he cry out with heart-tears, 
That he obtains free torgaveness of his past deeds 

Let him only remain treely afterwards in the way of righteousness. 


I beseech and entreat with a loud voice 

The Father of the saints, and King of the Tnnity ; 

The Person who by the sufferings of his heart saved multitudes, 
And the noble Holy Spimt who removes every want of hope, 


Who strenethened the clergy, on their being tearful, devoid of 
vigour, 

Prostrate, after the loss of their star of kingly guidance, 

So that He spoke by their mouths words of gospel, 

Teaching without conceit every hostile neighbour. 


Whoever of thy people, O shppery, crowded world, 
Has not fallen like me into the dangens of despair, 
[t is a true story, according to the holy sages, 
That he will easily go to heaven without injury. 
YOL. TI. v 


290 


5o 


6o 


oúNca Le p1loiD eile. [u. 


4NH CeaNa5aLt. 


0 Dainníosam na m-bainíosan, "era maire na m-bé, 

Ir annnuseaóc le a s-ceannpnuáséean easanacc Oé, 

CC énpnann Dpoillre, i? sneann oíosnair oaginsean oon óléir, 
(í n-am auió án n-an-puimp oo manéiíoin ao léin. 


óneann Rís na neann í, 'na leanb san béim, 

Oo os Cníoro san ceannea í 'na banalcnpnan pé; 

Samalmáim sunab ann lmóáeann “na leaba an Spíonao 
Maoim; 

To eceanncda í an aagc canncuiáin oum pneasainc am pléió. 


Lann ouisean oan leam í na n-anmann b-paon, 

lTr leaban-cnpnaob san meanaí ó banna ao pnéim, 

Oá ólampnuáae me am” prsannnubóeal ag salan nó as caom. 
4 b-pabnumói5b a beann-mín-bnuic nacao man paéie. 


(tí a-campaoib na lann líoméóa leaoanéa naéan, 

(í n-am oíosalcair namaouise oá o-casaó ao naóaimn, 

(It a-cobalcaiaáib na o-conn cgaoioe ain paimnae a m-baoaáaal, 
To cabain í “na b-poslmnáaeaócc, ní h-easal lom aon. 


Cé ceann ciáio na oeamain naimoe ó Acheron élaon, 

]lr an cam-Taoiseal pleamuin plím oom meallaó sac lae, 

Cn c-ranncumáeacc 'na pplanncaoib as ppalpaó na 
m-bhnéaa, 

Tn pPann claoióíó an moómail míonla a n-acpuimn ao léin. 


Rosa Ríos an oomain bhnaoimia panmna an bé, 

Ue loáa líonca a labainc, cní na h-aimim oo óálaoóac, 

Ir ePonn línn a paban álaoióeac ao o-caosulió an c-éaga, 
So nsabaó Cníoro "na leabain-líon án n-anam ao léin. 





5o 


6o 


POEMS BY OTHER POETS. 291 


Targ BINpINc. 


O Oueen of gueens, and loveliness of woman, 

And affection by which the resentment of God is restrained, 
O staff of light, and steadfast, s;ealous love to the clergy, 
Pray in time that our evil pride may be all forgaven. 


The beloved is she of the King of the Stars, as a stainless child, 

Christ chose her for his mother-nurse without fault ; 

I imagine that there in his bed the Holy Spimt reposes, 

She is my stay in every difiiculty, to answer Íor me in my con- 
flict. 


The sword-spear, as Í deem, is she of feeble souls, 

And a limber tree without deceit is she from frat to root; 
Passionate though I be, shattered by disease or sickness, 

To the fringes of her skirted, fair mantle will I go for shelter. 


To the camps of the polished, manglinge, keen swords, 

In the time of hostile vengeance did it happen that I should go, 
Amid f£leets on the wave taides of the sea in danger, 

My help is she in their rapine—]Í fear no one. 


Strong though the hostile demons come from wicked Acheron, 
While the perverse, slippery; smooth world daily allures me, 
While evil desire puts forth falsehood in flashes, 

To helpnessness does the modest fair one reduce all their strength. 


'The choice of the king of the wet, wide world is the woman ; 
Her speech is full of forgiveness by calling on her name; 

It is my desire to invoke her friendship until death shall come, 
That Christ may take in his wide net all our souls. 


U 2 


[ 292 ] 


ADDITIONAL NOTES AND VARIANTS. 


I. 11. For bannpiíonn most MS8S8. have peanann. 


III. A very inaccurate version of this poem has been printed by O'Daly, 
who ascribes it to Mac Donnell. 


IV. 14. 'The prevailing MS. reading is that given in text, am céime aos 
an a-cime. MS. 23, I 13 (R.1.A.), gives oom éimeaó aa an 
semiÓó; O'Curry's MS., am óimedaó “san a-cime sun, ete. 


XI. 24. A poem by O'Brudar, welcoming Sir James Cotter, begins, Páilce 
Uí Cealla, which O”Curry translates without comment, ““ The 
welcome of O'Kelly.” 


XII. A MS. in the O'Cunry Collection has the following variants ::'— 


15. cneí11l yor cnefíóill ; so also a R.1.A. copy. 
20. a leaáíonoa ór a m-bneíóne. 
25. pPíonóluin ór coluin. 
30. Cní h-aoimnbuino a naoim-uimno sní clí cumna bíó. 
(A MS. R.I.A.: 
Cní h-aoin-buóaaá a naoim-uino cm clí cuma b4.) 
51. priob ceucóa for raníob cu8409. 


XIII. 33. O'Curry's MS. gaves néal for néalca. 
46. so bun Raice oo éóairoil na prsaeólsa. 
101. cóimh is, no doubt, the true reading, and not cómain-TH. 


XV. A M8.in the O'Curry Collection gives the following variants :'— 


2. Saoo for 'S saaoo. 

2. oo ónuim or oo bníáa. 

7. 8o.for aan. 

8. so./for ná. 

35. oeónac for ceóna. 

39. mín-bnos móna Joe Ríos-bnos bóinme. 
44. a ríóe T!aaóbe baíóbe a bnón-sol. 
48. a nsleó-ónuic ór a nó-Plaie. 

61. píon na rseólca fó Píon a rseólca. 
68. ma póinne for ao 5lónac. 

72. an móincegaT J/ór an bónoab. 


73. 
88. 
92. 
96. 
g: 
123. 
125. 
126. 
144. 
160. 
208. 
212. 


ADDITIONAL NOTES AND VARIANTS. 293 


oúá for oom. 

cnáólaoc for cnáóaó aim lacc. 
o”amiseao nó-ólan ór annaío no-ólaim. 
1P./or ap. 

arseimin ór ag5 seimnih ; luorc ór loimn. 
lom or caoin ; cam ye éoim. 

Pine or cine. 

5leó-óaó. for aleócun. 

oónas40 for ánóao. 

caóm níon Fósunmn, the last word is not given im the other M88. 
Oeaásdaó for óall. 

nó-sluc for nó-ólaimn. 


XVI. The £íollowing variants are from O'Curry's M8. :'— 


XXI. 


XXII. 


6. 


“ 
15. 
I. 
37. 
49. 


48. 
51. 


24. 


21. 
22. 
84. 


88. 
114. 
120. 
tí. 
175. 
184. 
224. 


clacc for c-Flacc. No doubt clacoc is the true reading, “ their 
own garment.”” 

Rís ceanc ór ní éinc ; the aspiration of c is strange. 

Aeton /or Phaeton. 

aim a nís-uc or ain an níS-lic. 

am Ceallab na món-énúip Jó, an €eallab lá an ónuacaim. 

an óeil-ianre a óaióin bneás ólónman. Perhaps cén is in 
apposition to seil-nre. “Translate, “ The fair Island, his 
beauteous, splendid abode, gave him, ete.”?”? 

Tr reanna pá 59ó óo mna an paoinseal. 

Cabai pneaana pnaT ná pan ao paoa páo paéal. 


oo Pnuisegap Jo? oo Tfaleap. 


Lí5 iona leacain cní preaáil an nór lab. 

na lósa n-seal./for 'na lóoub ; another variant, na losooub. 

AfíÍter this line the following stan;a is in O”Curry's M8. (and in 
some others with variations) :'— 


Le saníiomaib luamana a éineaó Ta comauip, 
Cniíocao nísée oo éuiceaoan cóm-laa, 

THan raniíobap ononada lucs comnapíonna an eolur, 
"San ónioc oá naoinéean muiá TRucnuime pór un. 


air món Jo? iT píon. 

oo nua cnúa cTní Ovid, for bo éuin car nóe aim Ovid. 
man meabnaa /or oo meabnaisa (R.1.A. 23, E. 16). 
an Cuinean 1T o1íombaóac so món-muinin. 

an óleannúnac. 

na cómoail for “na cóio1b. 

paoio' ólab gor paoio” cab. 


294 ADDITIONAL NOTES AND VARIANTS. 


XXVI. 13. Castlemartyr is meant. “Thomas, fourteenth Knight of Glin 
married Mary, daughter of Edward Fit;gerald of Castlemartyr. 
76. mná loma, the women of Imokilly. The Irish form of Dmokilly 
is Aoibh mac Caille, but, as in the case of Magomhry, a corrupted 
form was employed. 


XXVII. A stan;a in the body of this poem was inadvertently omitted; 
it begins :'— 
Céile Tune cé 3? TÍ bo IT máóanin. 


XXXIV. 13-14. ón an paéal, ní peioin o'Polaina 
Tnéao an n-oíé oo níorm lem lo-pa. 
26. póinne ór óinnne. 
118. cnío ran o'PóanaT, which has been introduced into text instead 
of cneaóanapT Póanar, etc., oí the other MS8. 


XL. This stansa is guoted by Edward O'Reilly in his account of O'Rahilly in 
his “Irish Writers ”” underthe year 1726. He says it is taken from a poem on a 
shipwreck off the Kerry coast, which the poet witnessed. —Of this poem he had 
animperfect copy. We greatly regret that we have been unable to find this poem, 
which, if we may judge trom the speeimen here given, must be a piece of great 


merit. 


XLI. J. O'Longan, who indexed O'Curry's Catalogue in the Royal Irish 
Academy, seems to have understood the word Siíonánac s- “Fox.” It no 
doubt — Synan. On the same page of the MS. where this stan;a is to be 
found (23, m. 46. p. 259) is a short poem of four stansas, which O'Curry passes 
over, and which is thus described by O'Longan: ““A satirical low poem by 
Aodhagan O'Rahilly (2) dispraising a man named Fox and his family. It begins 
with 0 neacaaóe mic paonnaió. (J.L.)” “The piece is too vulgar íor insertion 
here. 

In xxxv. I9 read an cuinm -— :of the ale.” Tonn Toime mentioned in vii. 
is said by some to be in Dingle Bay. 


gEbosasAR V. 


[Is this Glossary, as a rule, only the rarer meanings of words occurring in the 


text are given. 


The poems abound in compounds of great interest, but it would 


take up too much space to give anything like a full list of them here. A 


complete analysis of all the words and idioms used in this volume would furnish 


matter for a good-sised Dictionary. The Roman numerals refer to the poems; 


the Arabic figures to the lines of the poems, respectively .] 


déaióé, interceding, LUI. 72. 

aólann, a prop, a hero (?), xv. 8o. 

aóban, substance, LIIL. I2. 

aóainc, buming; ao aóaimc, aflame, 
used metaphorically, xn. 9o. 


aónaó, —kindling, arousing ; a: 
sóinpe; xv. 3. 
asdailo, holding a parley; 48 a. 


Ppán rséal, xvr. 51. 

aibia, 3rd sing perf., ripened, sprang 
to maturity; of the desent of 
persons, XI. I7. 

a1cío, “misíortune, /i(. 
6; 13. 

aic3|, an Achilles, a hero, vi. 8. 

geilin;, EE wex, Yi ii 
aiillm. 

ain-bpaíopac, strange, extraordáinary, 
XLIV. 

ainim, a blemish, nir. 36. 

úino;, esteem; pPpPTmíocal aan a. a 
reckless or dishonourable word, xxiv. 
EX: 

ámo-Tleaccac, 
XLII. 5. 

únnof!óceac, —ccuanosac d4., a 
search of the highways, XLII Ig. 

aipríoa, restoration, II. 60-64; XXII. 
203. 

ánreac, accommodating; from úire, 
a convenience, XIv. 7. 


disease, HH. 


O'B. 


of high pedigree, 


apse, a gift; in phrase, a n-airse, 
in vain, íor nothing, xxxv. 94; 
XXXYI. 94- 

aiprcníóim, I change; o£ shape, vii. 
9. : 

al-óuinc, gen. of al-sonc, the noble 
land, Erin, xxxvutsr. 28. The word 
is written alsuinc in Mss. 

alpaneaccs, devouring ravenous|]y, 
LII. 50. 

amlán, a Íoolish person, xxxvilr. I6. 

amup, a wild, desperate man, a 
mercenary, II. IÓ; XVII. 25. 

anacTa, misery, LII. 2I. 

angance, terror, XXII. 7. 

annpaóc, love; a. anma, xIv. 39. 

anrmaóc, great tyranny, I. 6. 

aolbac, a lime guarry (?); it. 412; 
beautiful, xxvi. 94. 

aon, one; freguently it appears — 
“own,” as aoin óunlla, aon c-pal, 
aon leanb, though sometimes 
“unigue” seems a good rendering ; 
before adjectives it is intensitive 
as aon-ógaToa, XII. 18. 

áno, high; o'áno, publicly, xxrv. 
I4; noble, xxx. I7. 

apanarnm, going, marching; bnacac 
arsnaimn, vi. 6, where Ms. has 
airnim. 

aócbaoir?, wisdom (7), xxXxYII. 7. 


296 


acóao!", an exclamation of sorrow, 
xXLIx. 2I. 

acóumain, near; 5o h-a., guickly, 
y. T7. 

ac-óuane, a chief, anoble, xxxvi. 12. 


baisc, the neck, xiii. 8. 

baille-omnie, a trembling oí the limbs, 
Ir. 62. 

báiluae, bailifts, xi. 18. 

báime, madness, XXXVIII. 20. 

balbaáim, I grow dumb, or dis- 
cordant ; of the harp, xxvi. 96. 

balram, the lins, XXIX. 21I. 

báleac, large, awkward ; of the feet, 
AC VII. 4: 

banna -— bann, censure, reproach ; 
the Pretender is called manr san 
banna, vr. 5; cf. pánmóe san 
aon loóc, xx. 37- 

banna, x bann, a crowning, I. 9. 

beann, a horm ; of cattle, vi. 2; ofan 
ow]l, xx. 29. 

beancam, say, xv. 45; XXVYI. 39. 

béilleac, a great stone, a tombstone, 
passim, 

beó-énanie, mortal shape, xv. 26o. 

beóóaocc, vivaeity, xv. 132, €f ?assún. 

beólcán, a gabbler, xxxviit. 20. 

bí, pl. of beó, living, xIr. 30; a. MS. 
in O'Curry's Collection reads—ení 
h-aoin-búino a naoinn-úino cní 
clí cumna bíó. 

biaócaipíóe, beet-roots, XLv. 

bíoóasaó, a start; b. baoóalac, 
XXVI. 82; búr bíoóaóa, xvi. IO. 

bónoman, enjoying good tables, well 
fed, xxxIv. 55. 

bonnpabs, pride, xXLvI. 

boe, a shieling, XXII. I50. 

boecóa, a tent, xxxII. 62. 

bnaisó-óeal, fair-necked, used nomi- 
nally, xxxv. I83. 

bnanaineaóc, prowling for prey, 
LII. 49. 

bnaonac, wet or tearful, commonly 
applied to the world, Lav. 6:. 

bnanan, ravens, Li. 49. 





GLOSSARY. 


bnacoac, standard, colours ; b. cosaió, 
xv. 58; b. aranamm, vr. 6. 

bnéasaie, a liar, xxxvIII. 7. 

bnéaasnaó, falsehood, xxx. 5, 29. 

bnearpalac, of a dirty red colour, 
Liit. 0. 

bníbéineacc, brewing, xLvii. 64. 

buacac, swelling, proud ; bnuinn b. 
TY2Ab: 

buainoernr, ear-reaping (:), XLv. 

buannaó, servants, subjects collec- 
tively (?), Lam. 53. 

buimbneac, guerulous (”), xxXVIII. 2. 

buinne, a branch, a twig; a binding 
layer in wickerwork; b. cúil, the 
topmost layer; used metaph. of 
family descent, XIII. II2; bnácain 
b:; XxX1E 8. 

buinneaócac, full of corns; 
Íoot-soles, XXXVIII. 4. 

buinneúán, dim. of buinne, xxvr. 178. 

bunnac, or bonnac, proud, noble (?), 
XXVI. IÓ0 ; Írom bonn, pride. 


of the 


Caioneanm, company,association, xxVI. 
IT. 

caionéireac, rhapsodical, xLv.; 
caionói?, rhapsodical nonsense. 


if. 


| cáile — cáil, fame, virtue, xvii. 73. 


caipe, plaiting ; oí han, :2v. 5. 

call, loss, misfortune, vit. 6. 

callaíóe, finery of dress, frills, xLrx. 22. 

cam, crookedness, XXII. II8. 

camna, a sewer, LI. 5I. 

canán, an urchin; mpoúó-óanán, a 
fairy urchin, xLI4I. 23. 

canncslac, cantankerous (7), xIv. 52. 

caobaó, ao C., in streams, or layers, 
257. 

caoille, an Ruaoccac caoille, xxxv. 
I65; caoille —- caol, slender (?). 

€401, a marshy plain, xxxv. 62. 

caolac, /it. linum silvestre, fairy flax; 
hence sapling, xXxvi. 87; caolbac, 
II. 42, is used for light plantations, as 
distinct from trees; the roof wattling 
of a house, XxIt. 6; the breast-ribs, 
xKIX 222: 





GLOSSARY. 


caon, fire; caon-éonna, xvi. 6; 
caon éumair “éemaonn, the flash 
oÍ Erin's power, XVI. 2. 

canb, a ship, vi. 2. 

cannacán, a scabby wretch, XXXVIII. 
I6 ; from cannac, seabby. 

canuióe - Can or canTn, seurvy, itch, 
AECISORGVIT: T4- 

cégao, first; often like aon, used — 
own, as céao rpeanc, &e. 

ceannsa, a fault, Liv. 6. 

ceap, /ií. a block, apphed to a shoe- 
mabker”s last; metaph. a family stock 
or progenitor, a chief, a prince, XVI. 


IS, ef passúun ; apphed to the Almighty . 


Father, xxv. 7. 

ceanbac, a gambler, XxxIu. I25. 
Campion, in his : Historie of Ireland, 
calls them cross, and says that they 
“:profess to play at cards all the year 
long, and make it their only occupa- 
tion. “They play away mantle and 
all to the bare skin, &c.” The word 
is still used of gamblers, but as a 
distinct class the cearbhachs do not 
exist. 

céiallióe, sensible, xii. 

caanTranaó, buaaing, xLv. 

caan-óuillce, swamped with a black 
flood, vn. 0. 

ciléin, a. ceeler, a vessel in which milk 
is set to throw up its cream, XLviII. 68. 

cime, a captive, Iv. I4; claóne c., 
a villainous caitiff, xxxXvIII. 9; the 





I 





common phrase claóne cine is 


probably a eorruption of this ex- 
pression. 

canncegaóc, niggardliness, XVIII. 79. 

cionnbaóo, destruction, c. cléine, 
SDT 

caoTróinegaóc, a rental, xi. I9. 

ciroiSóe - ceiTroiOe, guestions, XXII, 
II4. 

clar. a. fúurow; CC; 
slavery, XIII. II4. 

clarcna, an enclosure (?), xxxvIII. 
24; perhaps from the Latin c/awsf?ra ; 


an bnáca, | 





297 


clamna, a scratcher, xx. 27, note. 

claona, perverse ways, LIY. 4. 

cleaccaim, I am aceustomed to, 
hence I cheiish, ni. 29. 

cleicíocúán, a guillet, xLir. 31. 

clan, a company, a hunting party, xv. 
28, &ec. -— the clergy or the bards 
according to context, pwssín. 

chaecarmuil, stout; from clae, the 
chest, xxxv. 27. 

clóó, or cló, contention, struggle, 
emulation (?), xxvi. 91; ef. nae cló 
am bi 3 a-cóm-enuié oo benup 
í.— Keating. 

clúmdó, a. support, XxIv. 20. 

cnápaCc,a knotty person (?),xxXVIII.I; 
the word cnap, a. knob, has a short 
vowel. 

cneap-ólí, -eomp]lexion 
breast), II. 9. 

cnópac, poet. for cnuapac, obtaining, 
acguiring ; the phrase Tsanpeaó aip 
cnórdaéó, xv. I3O0, is used in the 
same way as caróearm a3T. paosáil, 
xIv. 86. 

cnuapsaT, a heap, collection, xxx. 23. 

cnú moaguil, nut of the cluster, xiv. 
385: 

coóall, a cloak or hood, implyine the 
power of magic, v. II. 

cosanpac, jaws, that which gminds, 
CCTV II. IO. 

cóÓno or cÓo0 (perhaps — code) seems to 
mean a law or ceustom, a. tale or 
strain; it occurs twice in XXII.— 
"na nannaib (or no Pnannacac) 
san cam “na asa-cóodb, and 
(t[oib3ll ao raíorman “na cóioib ; 
ef. “dan cóioib aalla-cléine,” 
and :'— 


(clí - the 


“ Seacnún Céicinn cnú oon mosal 

Thaoióríó mire an các a CÓ3o, 

Cua a PonarT oleaoc a oí)amnaib 
Solar ceanc a niaóail nóio.”” 


coinPidÓ0, a stag, /ií. a hound-stag, 
mach tá 


the word is applied to a large un- / cóinne, musicians; anál na cléine 


gainly boot. 


teine a Girl 


298 


cóinneacóc, croaking, 1v. 35. 

cóip, a feast, xx. 13; also a feasting 
party. 

com, a hollow ; of a lake, xxt. II. 

com --Poclac, chattering, XXII. I25. 

comnclanmn, an egual or rival, xxxvII. IO. 

COT, a turn: dain CoT, so that, xXXII. 
39; a wrestling bout, a throw, a 
cast; (toó ma a-con s-comhac, 


Aodh of the javelin fights, or of the 


wrestling contests, xv. I609. 

cnáióceacc, vexatiousness,ill-humour, 
II 78: 

cnanaca - cnunascda, anything rolled 
up like a ball; often applied to a 
decrepid person ; the head or nose (?), 
SSXVTII: 21. 

cnann, a staff; c. bas, a stafíE to 
threaten with, xxII. 32; XXXV. II. 

cnanna, trees, metaph. families, t. 3. 

cngaoTr, the throat, the maw; ofa 
tombstone, xIv. IO4. 

cneíónill, death (?), xi. 13; cneaóill 
bárr, “death knell,” 0.R. ; O'Curry?'s 
Ms. reads cnéall. 

cníon, old; in compounds such as 
cnín-preóisce, excessively withered, 
as with age, I. 4; cníon-cóipih; 
I. 7; cníon-ánuamóda, :Iv. 2. 

cnióneac, causing trembling, xiv. 506. 

cnocaine, a villin, a hangman, 
xXXVIII. Ó. 

cnóóa, valiant; o£f shoes, XVIII. I3; 
Of” a cat, xxx1Iv. 60. 

cnoibóeana, blood red, xxx. 21. 

cnoióe-ónóluo, in an agony of 
heart, Liv. 5. 

cnóine (from cnón, swarthy), black- 
ness, stain, Xv. III. 

onoroáil, ““crossness,” —contention, 
XXXII. 42; the word is applied to 
the “love of mischief” of children. 


cnocnaóim, I firmly establish, 
2; 
cnuar -—- cnuaógarp, —churlishness, 


stinginess, XVIII. 78: IX. 7. 

cuaille, a staíf, a pole, a branch ofa 
tree ; metaph. a family branch, xvi. 
IS. 








GLOSSARY. 


cuainpiacán, a small hiding-place, 
IT. “25 

cuanoa, the course of life, Lur. 48. 

cúise, a fifth part, a province, mp4assim, 
seems to be treated as a feminine 
noun, XIII. 85, e( 4(iói. 

cúil-bnace, the comb of a cock, xLI1t. 
IO. 

cunilc, a. bed-covering, a guilt; cné- 
Cuil; xv. 20. 

cuinm, I put; cuinpío lmn, they 
will injure us (7), xxxv. IOO. 

cúmplacs, a band of dependants, 
people, XXII. I4I. 

cunsaanac -— cumananaó, bondage, 
straits, XXIII. II. 

cuncnaóc, a curse, a ban, xxXxVYIII. 
2bk 

cúcail, humbled, n. 24, ef a/íói. 


Oaiéeamuil, handsome, xxxv. 29. 

oeasá-nonnaimne, organi;er, Íoreman, 
xIY. 

oeansdaÓ, arranging, preparing; of 
coverlets, xv. 69; Of a grave, XLIX. 
IO. 

oeanb has the sense of bníó in phrase 
oeanb mo pseulca, xxxv. 200; 
cf. bhí mo pseulca, xxxv. 209. 

oír, natural, hereditary, XXII. 79. 

oíosam, I drain out; of people, 
SENT. 

oíosnair,, secret, v. I2. 

oíomaT, pride, XXvI. 2I; XXXV. 4I. 

píoc-comall, dishonesty, non-fulfil- 
ment of contracts, I. IS. 

oíéneónaóc, devoid of strength, ur. I. 

olaéac, in wisps; oÍthe hair, xxx.9. 

ooócc, hard-pressing, XXXIV. 34- 

ooincim, I spill, pour out; of a 
country, II. 7. 

onéimneac, from onéimne, a ladder, 
an epithet applied to a maiden's hair, 
se-as-cils)s 

oneóiluocán, a. little, silly creature, 
xi. 28: 

onólann, the waist or interior of the 
body ; metaph. the heart, passim. 


w“IRonúnnmaoáilh “ooisges 





3 NLMNCANCIEnCHGnamih, mnnichenhanilShrSipéithae ha ISNGHHINHCI ISE 


GLOSSARY. 


onunioe, a starling; o. ceóil, xxvI. 
143. 

ouabpeac, hortid, unsightly, xLv. 

oudó, diféculty, trouble, xxv. 7. 

ouineasa, manlyorhumane, xxxv. 28. 

oún, withered, hardened, sere, like 
aged wood; of the heart, vn. I; 
XV. T24: 

ouancan, a wailing hum ; also rain, 
downpour, Lit. 5. 


'eaoman, ptimarily, jealous; hence, 
sullen, morose, envious, xv. I77, e( 
aliós. 

eaonáin, interposing, going between, 
defending, xxxviI. 8. 

easlair, the Church, often - the clergy, 
as in xxxv. I20. 

éaaníor, a satirist, Li. 48. 

éioe, armour; é. pláca, xxXvi. 23: 
vestments, LI. 23. 

eicim, a leap, a bound, xxvi. IIO. 


Pában, favour, xsr. 20, e£ aiiói. 

pacain, meanine, v. 13. 

paccam, Lask, v. I2. 

pásbála, beguests, xLIv. 

páis, a race or stock (2), xxxv. 30. 

painrinae, afiluence, xiv. 83. 

paoileanoa, o£Í gull-like whiteness, 
SCE TA, 

paoinreóaa, springs, fountains, XXI. 
28: 

paocaó0, cessation, rest, xxx. 13. 

peacaimm, I shrink, 1 yield, retire from 
an enemy, XVIII. 55; of hills and 
trees, XIII. 2; peaca) le pánaió, 
“falling sickness,” xvi. 58. 

peallaneaócc, deceit, Lir. 5. 

peallrannoram, I rob deceitfully, 


XVII. 29. 
preanacu -—- peancu, Jií. a man- 
hound ; a hero, pessiún. 
peanaprcan, is spread, or spreads 


itself, v. 6. 
peanna, : reán1T, better, m4ssíin. 
péasa, gentle, shy, xxvi. I8. 


299 


pearnaóim, I ask, xvi. 50. 

peióm, strength, utility; a b-peióm, 
prosperous, successful, xii. 86. 

peól-pui, the body's blood, or the 
life-blood, xxir. 50. 

peóllca, treacherous - peallca for 
peallcaóé (2), xx. IÓ; XXII. 94; 
Mss. readings, poóúalca polsa, 
polra:; one has cóinreao. 

Paan, crooked, wild, raging ; of waves, 
TI1.23: 

Ppinne, a tuibe; bnáoan Ppinne, a 
kinsman, xxxv. 69. 

P1o00u18, noise, clamour, vii. 4. 

Píonncan or piúnsan, struggle, con- 
tea, XxxXY: 245 EE 28 fia 
“b-pPionncan an púoain.— 0ono/, 
O'Leary: and mucao ná milleaó 
a b-pionncan man cá.— 404, 
Maec0Owrtain, 

píonaó, the chine or ridge, hence 
border of a mountain, xxxv. 45. 

príon-cuanoaó, of much marching, 
III 209: 

príon-olióoóeac, ofjust laws, xxxv. 25. 

pleaprscac, a churl, a clown, xxx1t. II; 
pánac plearsaa, xvi. 6. 

Plearsa-cupac, having wreathed gob- 
lets (2), xXLyit. 2. 

Pocal, corruption, xxvit. I4; XV. I53. 

prósanca, good, LIv. 28. 

pósnam, I profit by, XXXIVv. 118. 

prósnam, I proclaim, mpgssja; I 
banish, xxxIv. 52. 

póinéim, poet. for epóinióin; with ain 
— to relieve, I. 28; o'Poinéóegap, 
TY: 2. 

poiéin, shelter, xxi. 7. 

pollane, a miserly person, or a 
dwarf, xxxvIII. 5. 

polc-éaoinn, of fair locks, xv. 212, 

ponn, desire; o”pomnm, so that, xxx. 
83. 

pónlaóc, force, violence, XI. 96; 
prob. - pPónlann. 

Ppónlucoc, great force, xv. 97, where 
perhaps it — multitude; O'Curry's 
Ms. reads apseimin for as seimnim 
in this line. 


300 


poncamala, abler; comp. of epoineil, 
strong, XLVY. 

Puaonac, active, xxxXIvy. 29, et aJi)i. 

puasnaó, poet. tor epósnaó, xv. 37. 

PpPuamenc, in xxx. 31 m1T P. seems ” 
resounding with joyous notes; the 
word often means “vigour, substance”; 
verse is said to be composed le 
puamenc. 

puan,refreshing; ePumns-Pumne (5), 
i Airj. 

puíseaó, poet. for pásaó, xxxv. III. 

Puróleac, vremainder, xXxXXIII. 9. 

Puinneamuil, vigorous, XV. I21. 


óásac, leaky, 
IX VEFEI2. 

sancac,-soncac, miserly, xxxXvIII. 6. 

seasán, a branchlet, a term of con- 
tempt, XXXvIII. 29. 

seall, pledge, mortgage, xvII. 26; 
XXI. 8; "na segall ro - because of 
thig, xvi 31. 

seallam, 1 undertake, vi. 8. 

seanmac, greedy, XXXvII. 8. 

seanánac, grunting, xLv. 

seannaiceg6, voracious, XXXVI11I. 8. 

seócac, a. hanger-on, a dependent on 
great families, passin ; now used in 
contempt. 

51411, a hostage, xxxv. 66; xv. I03, 
where perhaps éóiall - óéill, yielded. 

slasan, prating. 

5lar, bright, sparkling ; of the eyes, 
TS TI SSI: 3, IG: 

sléine, the nobility, the 
LYIT. 37- 

sleó-ógTr, a battle staff. 

sleóprcac, a sportsman, xv. 93. 


chinky, so O'R.; 


se]lect, 


suaoan, talk, chatter; of birds, xx. . 


206. 

s5uaó-óáin, a battle shout; of Lia 
Fail, xv. II7. 

shasnam, noise; 5. slua, bell-ring- 
ing (2), XLIv. 

5línn-ólonac, with a loud voice, LIv. 
29. 

5slosmTe, a babbler, xuur. 4. 





GLOSSARY. 


slhoasgan, chatter, xv. IO4. 

slosunnúl,, cackling as a hen, xu.. 22. 

5lún-óeineaó, to spring as from a 
remote ancestor, xv. 62. 

5nún?, in phrase cá anúir "na anao, 
III. II, where perhaps it means 
sorrow; O'Daly, in an incorrect 
version oí the poem, makes it — 
frown, but O”Daly was an unscrupu- 
lous translator. 

so1nsedó, Íoolish, xvi. 84. 

soinicegaó, fretful, xxxvnt. 18. 


.8oll, a Goll, a hero, passún; often 


spelled sall in Mss. 

sonm, if. blue; of swords, sharp, 
XXI. IO- 

sonmam, I whet; of swords, xv. 67. 

5napaó, grubbing, a species of tilling 
in which the surface of the lea is 
taken off in alternate sets with a view 
to digging furrows. 


i anaipPine, grunting, XLIV. 


sneann, wit; meaban slan sanínn, 
xv. I40. 

sneanca, beautiful, from sneann, 
love, xxrv. 6. 

sneaióimn, love, affection, XXII. 147. 

5mb s anmob, a grifin; metaph. a 
warrior, assin; a “gerfalcon ” 
(Stokes). 

5nínn-óluanac, with witty adulation, 
ITE: TO; 

smopáil, urging, driving, XXxIV. 24. 

snosane, a cripple, xxxvut. 6; 4f: 
am a ónosa, “on his haunches.” 

suaine, bristle used by shoemakers, 
XVIII. 25, 26; a noble, a guairé, 
xpy: T6: 

5ugaIil, in phrase óuamT oo óuagin IT 
oo óeina-éicGíoó, $ you are a con- 
founded liar,” xuLiv. 

súnagó, ill-shaped, xxxXvHI. 14. 


Tlaóam, I finish, close up ; of a poem, 
Fa ó 

aanrma, a relict, a remnant, III. 15. 

iaracc, foreign, VIII. 2, IO; as a noun 
it - loan. 





| 


GLOSSARY. 


mic, plotting, xxxv. IO5. 

1iomancd4aó, arrogant, xLv. 

íonauil, contention, struggle, xv. 91. 

íonna5, an ornament or robe, Iv. 7. 

pionna, the temples;”- XXI. 22, 
SC NIIT: I- 


Uaoc, liguid in general, xv. 88. 

lasanac, branching, xxXxVvIII. 9. 

lán - lann, a sword (?), v1It. 23. 

laonann, a chur], a robber, tr. 8; Lir. 
38. 

lasan, weakness; mo lasan! In. 
35. 

las-bníosac, of little strength, nr. I, 
32- 

lao!n, for lae, gen. of lá, moassun. 

leann, humourns of the body, vii. 13. 

leana, a plain, xv. 24. 

léice, greyness, XXVI. III; LIIL 32. 

upe, so 1., abundantly (2), mv. 30, 
where, perhaps, it is a proper name; 
cf. XXI. 22, Íor a similar idea. 

uae, grey; of the eyes in old age, 
VII T5. 

línncneac, a. pool, It. 33. 

lóo ; rneacca “na lóoaib, xxit. 22; 
O'R. gives lóo - a volley ; O'Curry”s 
Ms. reads—na lós nseal; another 
variant, losouib or losocuib. 

looaman, we went, v. 2; 
looam, I go. 

lonn, rapture; 1. mna Trenlae, xv. 97. 

lóióne, a bree;e, a storm; applied to a 
hero, xxxv. 385. 

lomaimm, I make bare, plunder, en- 
feeble ; with clunsce, to “ sweep ” the 
game, to completely win it, xx. I2. 

luan-cneac, dire ruin, or robbery, 
TL 137. 

lWuaín, the flat surface at the top of the 
head, xxit. 24. 

lúc-paal, a vigorous, generous man, 
xv. 248. 


from 


Thaoao!, a dog, ni. I5. 
maina, adj. woful, xxvI. 52; as a 
noun — woe, 048845. 





301 


maipcín, a. mastiff, xxxII. 27. 

maoine- m00T, a steward, xiv. 79. 

maoice, weakness, xxxIV. 5. 

maol, the head gen. maonle, xx. 8. 

manaáil, a bargain, barter, xxxIt. 54. 

meabanaáóim, I plan, xx. 6; I 
realire, XIII. IOO. 

méala, a great loss, as the death of a 
friend, nassún. 

meap-rmaona, a cur dog, xxxII. 27. 

mílleac — mínleac (?), xxvi. 72. 

millceóineacc, injury, loss, Liv. 40. 

mínleac, a plain íor grasing or 
pasture, a flat surface, XXvI. 93; 
“green pasture,” (Psalms xx. 2); 
probably the same word as mílleac, 
VI 72. 

miocal, mettle, spirit, xxvVI. I75. 

mí-óneónac, wanting in vigour, I. 
22. 

mobanóa, dirty-looking, said of water 
when muddy; in xv. I55, applied to 
a man, xv. I55. 

móórman, gentle, xx. 40. 

momnacd40!1, a monkey, xXXXYIII. 23. 

mónlucc, a great store, XXII. I47. 

mucallac, a drove of swine; metaph. 
for vermin, XXXVIII. 3. 

mullac, the head, xxxvIIt. 3. 

muprsdaine, a gross, fat person, XIX. 


mullasnac, full of bumps (5), 
XVIII: 2. 


Haprsama, a rallying or binding chief- 
tain, XXvVI. 37, €( sea.; Windisch 
givesnasc niad - champion s bracelet. 

neam-cuinreac, without  guile, 
SE TIT 20: 


“Oinnne -—- onaimn-Tne, on us, XXXIV. 
26. 

óironedac, (from ÓT, a fawn), a shy, 
modest face, xv. 2IÓ; 4/f. xv. 21I7. 

olpramc, grow], xxxv. IO. 

orsanóa, Osgar-like, or hero-like, 
&EY, 20: 


302 


Dáir aoine, Friday”s fast. 

plé:ió, contention, Xxxv. II, ef 4a/ifí; 
to fight for, to vindicate, vi. I. 

plub ó phób, xLw. 

plunsanúáil, plunder, XLII. 24. 

pníorm-eoinm, /ií. chief hounds ; of hell- 
hounds, xvit. I0. 

pníomóóógar, first hope, xsti. 5. 


TRdáó, judgment, maxim, xx1Iv. IO. 

naille, a criminal vagabond, xvit. 8. 

nároáil, walking with long strides, 
tramping, XLY. 

néinn, — ninne, he made, Lu 53, 
59. 

Teo, — leó; xxxrv.. 59. 

naan, a mark, trace, sign ; used in com- 
pounds as nian-loc, xii. (where a 
variant is naian luic); nian-banc, 
Xv. 40; its Íorce'is intensitive; in 
xv, 40 it is perhaps -& the sea. 

nian, a limit, a trace, agn n. XXII. 9. 

nianam, 1 govern, XIII. 87; Í enter- 
tain, xxIVv. 4. 

nínn, used in compounds as nínn- 
rcónnaóo, st. Ig; nínn-ugme, Iv. 
3; nínn-nuasadó, I:Iv. 6; its Íorce 
is intensitive. 

nínn-nuainneac, 
LT. 52. 

níobansa, decked, adorned, xvii. 5. 

norosga, a stroke, an attack, xxxvIII. 
32: 

noóaine, a wild person fleet of foot, 
XV IEIL 7; 

nó-óunaimn, a, great blow, xxXXxIII. 23. 

nuacann, cockles, xxx. 24. 

nuaóscan, clamour, vi. 4. 

nuasaim, 1 disperse, xv. Ióg. 

nuaimnim, 1 grow red, xxvi. 89. 

nuaimne, a bit; aan n., with nothing, 
SEAN, 

nuaimnnpeacán, 
hair, xLuit. 27. 

nu1íoe, red water, XXI. II. 

núine, a knight, xxvi. 17, e( $e4. 

nún, love or secret, xv. I33; XXVI. 


123. 


bristling, 


a little thread, or 


coarse, 





GLOSSARY. 


Sáe, sufficiency, treasuse; p. cní 
níosacca, the treasure or beloved 
of three kingdoms, pwassún. 

Taoóalca, happy, prosperous, t. II. 

racailc, sole; of a shoe, XXII. 24. 

Tacail, trod the earth as man; said of 
God, nLrir. 62. 

Trceacnaó, vomit, LI. 53. 

rTéanaradaó, blinking, xxxviIr. 2; 
from préanagp, shortsightedness. 

rTearsadghm, comfortable; of a person, 
RIO DL T2: 

rétoimm, TIT blow, T. pé, LE moite 1 
tempt, LII. 40. 

Teólca, bean T., a woman after 
labour, xxx1Iv. 3. 

Teómnac, oí many mansions, or 
roomy houses, xv. I96; XXXIV. 54. 

reonoúán, rustling noise, xLv. 

TrTsabal, a robe, La. 36; LT. 58; €f. 
Latin seaputla, and scapular. 


i Taasam, I strain; said o£f blood in 


family descent, xxix. 29. 

Todáince, scattered, I. 43, 70. 

Taannnuóeal, afirighting, LIv. 51. 

Tagdoéc, a swarm, a crowd, LVI., LII. I. 

Trseimnoll, the portion of a rick that 
overlaps; cnuac pá T. :x a nok, 
with its heap, like pincín pá 
Cénuanro, xxxv. 1I2. 

T5oím, produce, prospenty; paím 
onaoioegóca, vw. b5; xx. 93; 
XXVI. IO4 ; perhaps the word is con- 
nected with rpaimnol, a film or web; 
Taím ma a-cloc -— the wall fern 
(O'E. gives reeam ma as-cloc); 
the word psauím is used by Eoghan 
Ruadh in the phrase, cama rauím 
san ramdpeaó ó lámab, Mor- 
pheus, where it is difBcult to fix its 
precise meaning. 

TrTaím-ólónac, heavy-sounding, XXI. 
294 

Taím-raeuabac, wealth-snatching (?), 
IbHT. 25. 

rsnabaó, scratching, xvn. I5. 

Tsenasa, a ragged wretch, xxxvIII. 5; 
Írom rananic, a rag. 

Toníob, a track, a march, xxXit. 19. 


GLOSSARY. 


Tsníobam, I go, make a track, xi. 
31. 

Tanuicín, dim. of pronusa, a. re- 
proachful term for an old man, a 
skeleton-lhke person. 

Tsauibile, a fragment (7), a con- 
temptuous term, XXXVIII. I5. 

Tríoó-bnac, a fairy covering; DT. mmhe, 
III; 

riona-ónió, violent trembling, xiv. 
58; ef. balle-éne; conn-óénió, 
XXI; perhaps Tiona is from Tean, 
old, but hardly from píom, tempest. 

ríonúSa0, making permanent, xxXIVvV. 
T2. 

rioradíóe, in trim array, IV. 22; 
closely-cropped, xxXXvIII. I. 

priormannac, hissing, XLv.; 
ríorannaoc. 

ríceóilce, peaceful, :T. II. 

rléaccaimm, I bow down, as in con- 
fession, Li. 9. 

THhbane, a long, lanky person, a, churl, 
gv. 26. 

Tlím, miserable, wretched, Lrv. 58; 
Tlím, /í/. thin, spare, smooth; is 
freguent as an intensitive in com- 
pounds as plím-Plósac, Iiv. 37: 
Tlím-buaóeanca, Iv. 26; cní 
Tlím-nuaócai), nm. 18. 

Tlaoo-caallac, thick-witted, xLnr. 

Tmaoinceóineacc, musing,.considera- 
tion, Lrv. I3. 

rmól, the snuff of a candle, hence, 
speck, fault, xxx. 32. 

Tmmúinim, íÍor pmuainm, I think, 
XxXXvI. 24- 

rnmulcaine, a person with a, big nose, 
SCOR II. I. 

rTnaómedaó, a matrimonial tie, xxx. 
22. 

roillreoaóc, bright ; used nominally of a 
maiden, xxxXv. I94. 

rToineann, brightness, 
xv. 269. 

Tonaine, a stammerer, XXXVYIII. 

TrTpallma, a stone, a flag, x. I5. 

rTpalpane, a churl, xLur.; cf. 
Tpailpín. 


0:R: 


cheerfulness, 











903 


Tpannaimegdó, sharp, violent, bitter, 
hinis ailig 

Tpólla, a piece of meat, xxx. 60. 

Tpnegr, III. 20, note. 

Tpnéaócdó, toscatter,xxvi. ;ppnéaóa, 
showers, LII. II. 

rmnamaóc, with running eyes, XXXVYIII. 
Te 

Tnubán; a cake, xiv. 

Tceiós, a chop, a steak; of land, 
XXXv. 905—90. 

Trcolam or prcollam, I tear asunder, 
XXXVIII. 5. 

Tcníocaim, I fall down; of stars, 
XXVI. 90. 

Tcuacan - prcuacanmne, a. prying 
person, a term of contempt, XXXVIII. 
I4. 

Tcugdó, a volume, a treatise, a text, 
j. a. gcroll, Lus. I9; a hero, 
SNOW: 

TuIÓ, a hero (?), XXXVII. I9. 


Cabans, bean oo &., to marry, 
XLV. 

caca, 
alia. 

caióm, disease, XII. II. 

coióbpreac, substantial, xxxv. 88. 

caoogac, stubborn, xxvr. 50. 

caoncoIiTae, a demur, xIv. IO0; adj., 
guarrelsome, xIVv, 52. 

canbunsóe, ampan c., the harvest 
from canba, profit. 

canngarcs1Tn, c. línn, we met, v. 3. 

céacsa, frosen, xiv. 55. 

ceann, strength; sc. na nódall, 
xxXxXIv. 32; “/. cnéamn; I. 27. 

céanma, term, speech, xxvi. 54. 

ceapbac, heat, xvii. 22. 

cíoó-baile, manor or country house (?), 
xLír. 6. 

cíonánaó, a tyrant, L. 2. 

claóc, a covering oÍ sorrow, XXVI. I. 

coincegaó, substantial (7), xLv. 

coincÓir, grandeur, XLV. 

cOoIP6, Will, purpose; o'aon conpa, 
with deliberate intent, ir. 36; see 
O'Donovan's Supp. to O'R. 


stay, SUuppOtt, XXXIII. 0, e( 


304 GLOSSARY. 


collca, perforated, undermined, xst. 
I4. 

conn-ónióim, ÍI['tremble as a wave, 
SECH, 

conpacúán, a little crab, xuir. 26. 

conmarnh, attendance, waiting on, XLIV. 

cónra, beyond them, xxXH. 90, 
IY, YeS27e 

cnáóc, region ; cnácc a bonnane, 
his soles, xxxvIII. 4; cef.ó baéapr so 
bonn cnácrc.—Connor O'Sullivan. 

cnáóla?, difBculty (2), XXX11. 37. 

cnaoódadó, —“subduing, overcoming; 
san c., without abating or pause, 
ry. 86. 

cnéapon, treason, XXVIII. 5. 

cneiáoeán, dim. of cneiíó10, XXVII. 
158. 

cneióiíoimm, I disable, destroy, XXIV. 
30. 

cnéiceancac, a term of abuse still in 
use (the exact meaning is not cer- 
tain), XXXVIII. I. 





cneóince, ma c., the valiant, xxir. 
2. 

cneónac, a director, a leader, it. 2. 

cnudaó, a miserable person, xxx. 13. 

cnúia, a cause, reason, XXXv. 98. 

cuda1n1Ta, news,report; a o-ocuaiTITa, 
a trace of them, vii. I2. 

cuainim, an approximation; "na 
cnuinn-c., close up to her, iv. 14. 

cuicim, nnursing, fÍosterage, xXXXV. 
72: 

cun, dry; of the heart, hard, inhospi- 
table, xxvi. I7I. 


llaban, wounded pride, xrmu. SI. 

uaim, horse-tackling, xxx. 87. 

úin, mould; úin na cnuimne, si. 
IO. 

úinéaonna, shoes, c]logs (7), XLav. 

unnamgaó, reverent; u. oo óuine, 
inferior to a person, XXIV. 2. 

unpac, sustaining, xv. ISt. 


END OF VOL. III. 


“-— é” 


FEISIRE AFS OCO IA 


President: 
DOUGLAS FIYDE, L1.0., M-R-I.A. 


Vice-Presidents: 


THE RIGHT HON. LORD CASTLETOWN. 

REv. MAXWELL CLOSE, M.A., F.G.S., M.R.I.A. 

HIs EMINENCE CARDINAL GIBEONS. 

JoHN KELLS I[NGRAM, LL.D., S.F.T.C.D. 

His EMINENCE CARDINAL MORAN. 

THE RIGHT HOoN. THE O'CoNOR DOXN, D.L. 

THE MosT REv. DR. O'DoNNELL, Bishop of Raphoe. 
THE REv. THOMAS J. SHAHAN, D.D. 


Executive Council : 


Chairnan—BÉPROFESSOR E. YORKE FOWELL. 
Vice- Chairirnan——DANIEL MESCAL. 


MAURICE J. Dopp. C. H. MoNB8o. 
JongN P. HENRY, M.D. ALFRED NUTT. 
FIOoNAN MACCOoLLUM. J. TODHUNTER, M.D. 


ARTHUR K. MILLER. 


ffon. Gen. Sec- ELEANOR HULL. 
£ffon. Sec. for freland-NORMA BORTHWICEK. 
fon. Treas-—T. B. MACDOowELL. 


Consultative Committee : 


PROFESSOR ANWYVL. E. wW. Jovcg, LL.D.. ME. A. 
OSEORN BERGIN. PROFESSOR MAC KINNON. 
Dvip CoMYN. JoHN MAc NEILtL, B.A. 
1.]J.ELANNERY (T.ó FLANNGHAILE). | KUNO MEYER, PH.D. 
HeNRI GAIDO4£2. Rgv. EE O“LEARS; PE 
Iuv. PRoOF. RICHARD HENFBRVY. DR. HOLGER PEDERSEN. 
JKgv. Pgor. MICHAEL P. HICEEY, | PROFESSOR RHVS. 

ACRA, FE. RS. A.1, PRgor. DR. RUDOLPH THURNEVSEN. 
DouGLAS HyYypE, LL.D., M.R.I.A. PROFESSOR DR. H. (IMMER. 


IRISH TEXTS SOC. 


TurEg Inrsg TExTs Socrgry was established in 1898 íor the purpose 
of publishing texts in the Irish language, accompanied by such 
introductions, English translations, glossaries and notes as might, be 
deemed desirable. 

The Annual Subscription has been fixed at 7s. 64. (Amenean 
subscribers two dollars), payable on January 1st of each year, on 
payment of which Members will be entitled to receive the Annual 
YVolume of the Society, and any additional volumes which they may 
isgue from time to time. 

The Committee make a strong appeal to all interested in the 
preservation and publication of Ivish Manusenipts to contribute to the 
funds of the Society, and especially to the Editornal Fund, which has 
been established for the remuneration of Editors for their arduous 
work, 





'THg SEcoNbD ANNUAL GENERAL MEETIse oÍ the Society was held on 
April 25th, 1900, in the Rooms of the Trish Literary Society, 8, 
Adelphi Terrace, Strand, London. 


PnpoprgssoR FE. YoRg PowgLLú in the Chair. 


The following Report was read by the Honorary Secretary :'— 


SECOND ANNUAL REPORT. 


The Committee has to report a year of successful work. In 
October, 1899, Dr. Douglas Hyde's volume, containing two late 
medieval Dhrsh romantic tales, was issued to the Members; and, in 
December of the same year, Dr. George Henderson 's £fed 9ráerend 
(Feast of Bricriu), which forms the first of the volumes containini 
more ancient texts, was in the hands o£f subscribers. 








[é on] 


'The volume for 1900, which is now passing through the press, 
will contain a complete collection of the Poems of Egan O'Rahilly, a 
famous Munster poet of the close of the seventeenth and begannin;s 
of the eighteenth centuries. The volume will contain text and 
literal translation, with Introduction, Glossary, and Notes, besides 
brief special introductions to such of the poems as reguire elueida- 
tion. The work has been prepared and edited, chiefly from Mss. in 
Maynooth College, by Rev. P. 8. Dinneen, s.g., M.a. It is hope:l 
that it will be ready for distrbution by October, at latest. 

An offer made by Mr. John M:Neill, p.a., late Editor of the 
Gaelic Journal, of a complete edition of the “Duanaire Finn,” a 
collection of Ossianie Poems presevved in the Library of the Francis- 
can Monastery, Dublin, has been accepted by the Committee. "The 
larger number of the ineidents related in these poems will be new to 
the public, and are not to be found in any hitherto published collee- 
tion. Their pubhcation cannot fail to shed much needed hght, upon 
the development of Ossianic Romance. 

'The Committee contemplates the pubheation in parts of the entare 
manuscript. “The first volume is now im active preparation. 

M:-. David Comyn reports that he is making progress with has first, 
volume o£f Keating's “ History of Ireland,” and hopes to have at ready 
for pubhcatiaon in 1901. 

The Committee had hoped to produce this year Manus 0”Donnell”s 
“ Life of St. Columbkille,” but the Editor, Tomás O”Flannghaile, has 
not yet been able to place the matemal in their hands. 

In January, 1900, it was resolved that, after March 1st, the sub- 
scription Íor the two volumes published in 1899 should be raised from 
“7s. 6d. to 10s. 64. to Members whose gubscriptions íor 1899 had not, 
been paid up to that date. 

The price of the volumes to the pubhc is 68. per volume, or 12s. 
Íor the two volumes issued in 1899. 

The subscription íor 1900 remains fixed at 78. 64.,” and is now 
due. 

A suggestion has been made to the Committee by a. Member of the 
Intermediate Board of Education for Ireland, to extend the scope of 
the Society 's aims by the issue of Extracts, from such of its volumes 


& American subscriptions, 82. 


a. 2 


ALA) 


as are suitable, to serve as school text-books for use in the Interme- 
diate and Royal University Courses: guch books to be published in a 
cheap form without translations, but with more extended glossaries, 
'Thig suggestion which, 3f earned out, would form a new branch of the 
Boeciety's work, is now under the consideration of the Committee. 

Steady progress has been made in the compilation of the Irish- 
English Dictionary, and a large portion of the work has been eompleted, 
chiefly through the energy of Mr. G. A. Greene, M.a., assisted by 
other Members of the Committee. 

In April, 1899, an appeal was 1sgued, asking Drsh speakers and 
students to assigt in the work, by drawing up lists of words used in 
their own districts, and also by compiling lists from various modern 
Irish . pubhceations. 'The appeal met with a cordial response, and the 
Committee has received several valuable hsts of words which are now 
being incorporated with the work already done. It as desired to thank 
those who have helped in this matter, and also those who have kindly 
lent MS. Dictionaries and colleetions of Drish words. 

When the work is sufhciently advaneed, 14t will be placed in the 
hands of the Editors, Mr. Dawid Comyn and Rev. Peter O'Leary, for 
revision, and circulars will be issued statine full partaculars as to 
publication, price, etc., and asking for the names of subseribers. 

The Committee desires to record ats gratatude to the Editors of the 
volumes already issued, and about to be issued, by the Society, and is 
deeply sensible of the generous spirit in which the Editorgs have entered 
into the work, and of the cordial manner in which they have endea- 
voured to carry out the sueeestions and resolutions of the Committee. 
'This spirit of good will has greatly hghtened the labours of those who 
are responsible for the conduct o£ the Society. 

Rince the issue of the lagt Annual Report, 52 new Members have 
been added to the Society. Five have died dumng the year, and four 
have withdrawn their names. The Society now numbers 469 Membhenrs.s 

The Committee, in expressing thanks to those who have eontrbuted 
to the Editonal Fund, looks for continued and inereased support to 
enable at to carry out the important work undertaken. It desires, as 


& In spite of the fact that over 50 names sent in after the issue of the first 
rireular were removed from the books owing to non-payment of subsciiptions, the 
Society numbers, at the date of going to press, 002 Members, 86 of whom have 
recently joined the Society. 


Feá 


far as the means placed at its disposal will admit, to act in the most 
generous spirit towards the Members, and to push on the work of pub- 
hecation as rapidly as possible. I hopes especially that means will be 
forthcomine to publhish, from time to time, further volumes containminge 
older texts. Beveral texts of great importance have been offered to the 
Society, among which may be mentioned Serglige Coneulainn, Orgain 
Bruidne Da Dergae, and the Poems attributed to st. Columba, but 
the acceptance of these offers has had to be postponed until such 
time as the means is Íorthcoming to issue them in the extra Merilieval 
Series. “The value of these texts, from a literary and linguistic point, 
of view, will be apparent to all. 

On the motion of M:. A. P. Graves, seconded by Mr. C. H. Monro, 
the Report was adopted. 

The following Financial Statement was submitted by the Trea- 
gurer :'— 

BALANCE SHEET, 














'Eotal! Susi Aas LSeaosc oi 8 HEoEalL I he Fan Saosiona 


1899—1900. 

Receipts. Expenditure. | 

FAI h té gs 
To Balance brought forward from By Payment to Publisher of Irish | 

1898-99, is SS sea Top “os ON Texts Society s Publications, 193 17 8 

oOhbSis S ,;. Editorial Expenses, ... ah ós ó ib 

IA Siarra (saShheis ae ohiseh a Ibeomeá ona ,; Printing, árta á ationery, 8 o 8 
| ;; Donations, bias Sc ss. 20 25. 0 “| .. Refand, to. fFrish Literary I 
Society, soo| 

,; Printing List ais MemhÉrs swóil 

I Sxyllabus, Ch sa Óir “CO 
, Commission on (iii ae lslÓs Fó t4 I 

s; Balance in hand, sás Ais Ais chan 





[aged] 


GENERAL SIATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS 
For 1898, 1899, 1900. 





Receipts. I Expenditure. i 
aise An isgchal 
To Subscriptions— By Preliminary Expenses (Print- 

I ing, Postage, &c.), 1898, ... 5oóoo 
s8og—48s5 at 7s. 64. each, 318: 7 6 ,, Printing, Postage, Stationery, 
Iooo—Received todate, ... 6r 2 8 | 18o8-oo,... Bá: Ex cat T6 76 

he: Do. do., I8oco-rooo, 8 o 8 

,, Donations—iaoo, He se 94 14 9 ; Printing Syllabus and List of 
- Do. 1000, Fe as a 26 xi ro i... Members, is sirrAcha Co 


Editorial Expenses, “Ro oo 
Payment to Mr. 
Flannery, sf rsroso 
Photographing 
Bodleian Library 
— “: Life of Saint 


i 
Cuissban, SA i 
i 


- 








39.0. 0 
,. Editorial Expenses, r8oo-sroco 
(12r.. Eiiyde);. “si 6 oo 
.. Refundof Member” SISIH gisreise 
tion and Donation, ... 2. 38 6 
. Refund to Irish Tátérary 
Society of Advance, of, cáiar a, 
.. Commission on Chegues, .. .o 64 
. Payments to Publisher for 
Books, s8oo, ... dui so 17 
,. Balance in hand, sa se B5. taita 
£394 to 8 364 ro 8 








On the motion of Mr. Alfred Nutt, seconded by Dr. John 
Todhunter, the Financial Statement was adopted. 

The following changes in the Rules proposed by the Executive 
Committee were camied on the motion of Mr. Mescal, seconded by 
Mr. Nutt ::— 


(a) That in Rules 29, 4, and elsewhere, the name “Council ” be: 


gubstituted for “ Executive Committee.” 

(4) That in Rule 9, after ““78. 64. per annum ” be added ““(A menican 

subscribers two dollars).?? 

Votes were taken for the Election of four new Members of the 
Executive Council to serve in the place of Messrs. Flannery, Greene, 
Fahy, and O'Keeffe, resigned. The following were declared elected ::— 

Mr. Maunce J. Dodd, Mr. Arthur K. Miller, Mr. Monro, Fellow 
of Caius College, Cambridge, and Rev. T. O'Sulhvan. 


N——wwwwmwmwvwwwwvwvwvv,vw,vwvwwuwvwvwvwwvwv.vvwuummmm—Nmm—mmmmm——— 





Koibaa 


GENERAL RULES. 


OgJECTS. 


1. The Society is instituted for the purpose of promoting the publication of 
Texts in the Irish Language, accompanied by such Introductions, English Trans- 
lations, Glossaries, and Notes, as may be deemed desirable. 


CoNSTITUTION. 


2. The Society shall consist of a President, Vice-Presidents, an Executive 
Council, a Consultative Committee, and Ordinary Membeis. 


OFFICERS. 


3. The Officers of the Society shall be the President, the Honorary Secre- 
taries, and the Honorary Treasurer, 


EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 


4. The entire management of the Society shall be entrusted to the Executive 
Council, consisting of the Officers of the Society and not more than ten other 
Members. 

s. All property of the Society shall be vested in the Executive Council, 
and shall be disposed of as they shall direct by a two-thirds?” majonity. 

6. Three Members of the Executive Council shall retire each year by rota- 
tion at the Annual General Meeting, but shall be eligible for re-election, the 
Members to retire being selected according to seniority of election, or, in case of 
eguality, by lot. “The Council shall have power to co-opt Members to hill up 
casual vacancies occuiting throughout the year. 


CoNSULTATIVE COMMITTEE. 


s. The Consultative Committee, or individual Members thereof, shall give 
advice, when consulted by the Executive Council, on guestions relating to the 
Publications of the Society, but shall not be responsible for the management of 
the business of the Society. 

MEMBERsS. 

8. Members may be elected either at the Annual General Meeting, or, from 

time to time, by the Executive Council. 


SUBSCRIPTION. 


o. The Subscription for each Member of the Society shall be 7/6 per annum 
(A merican subscribers two dollars), entitling the Member to one copy (post free) 
of the volume or volumes published by the Society íor the year, and giving him 
theright toivote on all guestions submitted to the General Meetings of the Society. 

Io. Subscriptions shall be payable in advance on the Ist January in each year. 

II. Members whose Subsciiptions íor the year have not been paid are not 
entitled to any volume published by the Society íor that year, and any Member 
whose Subsciiption for the current year remains unpaid, and who receives and 
7etlains any publication for the year, shall be held liable íor the payment of the 
full publishcd paice of such publication. 


aidh 
I2. The Publications of the Society shall not be sold to persons other that 
Members, except at an advanced price. ! 
I3. Members whose Subscriptions for the current year have been paid shall 
alone have the the right of voting at the General Meetings of the Society. 
I4. Members wishing to resign must give notice in-writing to one of tl:e 


Honoratry Secretaries, beíore the end of the year, of their intention to do so: 
otherwise they shall be liable for their Subscriptions Íor the ensuing year. 


EDpITORIAL EFUND. 


Is. A fund shall be opened for the remuneration of Editors for their work in 
preparing Texts for publication. Allsubscriptions and donations to this fund shall 
be purely voluntary, and shall not be applicable to other purposes of the Society. 


ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. 


I6. A General Meeting shall be held each year in the month of April, or as 
soon aíterwards as the Executive Council shall determine, when the Council shall 
submit their Report and the Accounts of the Society for the preceding vear, and 
when the seats to be vacated on the Council shall be filled up, and the ordinary 
business of a General Meeting shall be transacted. 


AA upiT. 


17. The Accounts of the Society shall be audited each year by auditors 
appointed at the preceding General Meeting. 


CHANGES IN THESE RULES. 


IS. With the notice summoning the General Meeting, the Executive Coun- 
cil shall give notice of any change proposed by them in these Rules. Ordinary 
Members proposing any change in the Rules must give notice thereof in writing 
to one of the Honorary Secretaties seven clear days before the date of the Annual 
General Meeting. 


AH LE LM muin na mmmumiBaiaaau;;at thá 


Fail 


LIST OF 


MEMBERS. 


TAn asterts& before the name denofes fhaíf the Aferaóer has contrtbuled duríne the 
current vear Ío fhe Eárforaí fwna.] 


Abercrombie, Hon. John. 
Agnew, A. L., F.s.a. (Scot.). 
Ahern, James L. 

Aherne, Miss M. 

Allingham, Hugh, M.R.I.A. 


Anderson, John Nomie, J.P., Provost of 


Stornoway. 
Anwyl, Prof. E., M.A. 
Ashe, Thomas J. 
sAshley, Miss Mary. 


Baillies' Institution Free Library, Glas- 
gow. 

Banks, John. 

Barrett; S. J. 

Barry, Thomas. 

Bartholemew, John. 

Beary, Michael. 

Beck, P. 


Belfast Library and Society íor Promott | 


ing Knowledge. 

Bergin, Osborn J. 

Berlin Royal Library. 

Berry, Captain R. G. 

Berryhill, R. H. 

'Bigaer, E. j.; MR.I:A. 

Birmingham Free Library. 

Blaikie, W. B. 

Blair, Rev. Dr. Robert. 

Boddy, John K. 
'“Bolton, Miss Anna. 

Borthwick, Miss N. 

Boston Public Library, U.S.A. 

Boswell, C. S. 

Bowman, M. 

Boyd, J. St. Clair, M.p. 

Boyle, William. 

Boyle, Rev. Thomas, c.c. 

Brannick, L. Theobald. 

Brenan, James. 

Brett, Charles H. 
“wBrodrick, Hon. Albinia. 


Brooke, Rev. Stopford A. 
“Brophy, Michael M. 
Brower, John L. 
Brown, A. C. L. 
Browne, Rev. R. L., Ord. Alin. 
Brunskill, Rev. K. CC. 
Bryant, Mis., p.sc€. 
Buchanan, Miss Jeannie. 
Buckley, James. 
Bund, J. W. Willis, o.c. 
Burle, Thomas. 
| “Burnside, W. 
Byrne, Matthew J. 


Calder, Rev. J. 
Camenen, M. F. 
Campbell, Lord A. 
Caibray, Felix. 
Carey, J. 
Carmiachael, Miss Flla. 
Carrigan, Rev. William, c.c. 
Casey, Rev. Patrick. 
Cassedy, J 
Castletown, Right Hon. Lord. 
Cavanagh, Michael. 
Clarke, Henry Wray, M.A. 
Close, Rev. Maxwell H.,M.R.I.A..F.6 S. 
Cochrane, Robert, F.R.S.A.I., M.R.I.&. 
Coffey, George, B.A., M.R.I.A. 
Cofliey, John. 
Colgan, Rev. William. 
3Colgan, Nathaniel. 
Collery, Alderman B., M.P. 
Colles, Dr. Abraham. 
Colman, James, M.R.S.A.I. 
Comeríord, Maurice. 
| “Comyn, David. 
Concannon, Thomas. 
“Condon, ev. RR. 
Conway, Rev. David. 
Cooke, John. 





[s T6] 


Cooper, Richard. 
Coik, Oueen's College Librarv. 
Costello, Thomas Bodkin, M.p. 
Costello, Brother Francis, O0.S.F. 
Cox, Michael, M.D., M.R.I.A. 
Craigie, W. A. 
Creighton, Dr. R. H. 
wCulwick, J. C., MUS. DOC. 
Cunningham,  J. T. 
Curran, John. 
wCurren, Rev. W. H. 
Cusack, Professor J. 


Dals, Timothy. 
Darbv, Martin, M.p. 
Davies, Thomas J. 
Day, Robert, J.P. 
Deeny, D. 
“De La Hoyde, Captain Albert. 
Delany, The Very Rev. Dr. 
“Delany, The Very Rev. William, 5.J., 
I: IMRC TA: 
Denvir, John. 
Devitt, Rev. Matthew, 5.7. 
Dickson, Miss Edith. 
“XDigby, E. W. 
Dillon, John, M.P. 
Dillon, William. 
Dinneen, Rev. P.S., 5.7., M.A. 
Dis, E. Reginald McC€. 
Dodd, Maunice J. 
Dodgson, Edward Spencer. 
Doherty, Anthony J. 
Donelan, James, M.B. 
Doody, Patrick. 
Dorey, Matthew. 
Dottin, Professor Georges. 
Downey, E. 


Toxle, JJ 
Dresden, Kónigliche Oeflfentliche Bib- 
liothek, 


Drury, Miss Edith. 

Dufíerin and Ava, The Most Hon. The 
Marauis of, K.P. 

Duignan, W. H. 

Duncan, Leland L. 


Eccles, Miss C. O'Conor. 
Evans, Miss E. M. 


Eahey,'Eex..j, DD; ve. 
Fahy, Frank A. 
Farguharson, J. A. 
Fenton, James. 

Fernan, John J. 

fserrter ib, 

Eush; E. P. 

Fit; Gerald, Michael J. 





YFEit; Gerald Lord Walter. 
wEitsmaurice, Rev. EE. BB. O.S.gí 
Elannery,, ..J- 
EForeman, W. H. 
Fraser, James, C.E. 
Frost, James. 


Gaelic League, Carlow Branch. 


Ui, “ Forest Gate Branch... 
ES bh Galway Branch. 
- London. 


3? 
Gaelic Society of Inverness. 
Gaido;, Henn. 
Gallagher, J. S. 

' Galway, Oueen's College. 
Gannon, John PBattrick. 
Geoghegan, Professor Richard H. 
Gabson, The Hon. W. 
Glynn, John. 

Glynn, j: .A.., B.A: 

Glynn, Thomas. 

Golden, Miss B. 

Gordon, Principal. 

Goudie, Robert. 

Grainger, William H., M.Dp. 


| &Graves, Alíred Percival, M.A. 





i 
i 


) 


XGregory, Lady. 
Greene, George A., M.A. 
Greene, is ev. Jemie 
Gnífhn, Richard N. 
&Gwynn, Edward John, M.A., F.T.C.D.y. 
Todd Professor, R.I.A. 


Haffenden, Mrs. 
Harrassowit;, Otto. 
Hamilton, G. L. 
&Elartland, EE. S- 
Harvard College Library, Mass.,U.S.A. 
Haugh, Simon. 
Hayde, Rev. John. 
Hayes, Cornelius J.. 
Hayes, James. 
Healy, Most Rev. John,. D.D., LL.D.,- 
Coadjutor Bishop of Clonfert. 
Healy, Maurice, M.P. 
Henderson. George, M.A., PH.D. 
Henehan, Martin J. 
Hennessy, B. 
Henrv, John P., M.D. 
&Heron, Francis, M.B. 
Hickey, Rev. M., ACRA. EE S AIE 
Hogan, Rev. 19. AA. Go: 
Hogan, John. 
Hogan, Rev. Martin, c.c. 
“Horsford, Miss Corneha. 
“Hull, Miss Eleanor. 
Hurley, D. B. 
Hurley, Timothy J. 


Fia 


“Hutton, Mrs. A. W. | Liverpoocl! Public Library, per P. 
Hyde, Douglas, LL.D., M.R.I.A. Co sell, Librarian. 

Hynes, Rev. John, B.p. London Library, per C. L. Hagbert 

Wiight, Librarian. 

YIngram, John Kells, LL.p. Long, W. 

Irving, Daniel. i Longworth-Dames, Capt. M. 
$Iveagh, Right Hon. Edward Cecil, Lot, M. Ferdinand. 

Baron, D.C.LI. Loughran, Rev. Dr., C.C. 
Lynch, Rev. Brother Fidelis M. 
Sc, J. [| &ISmch. 1. Aip. 


James, W. BP. &Lynch, Timothy. 

Johns Hopkins University Library, Bal- Lyons, Very Rev. John C.,o P. 
timore, Maryland, U.S.A. 

Johnson, James Patrick, M.A. 


Jones, Lieut. Bryan J. &Macalister, R. A.S. 
Joyce, Patrick Weston, LL.p. M'Bride, A., M.D. 
Joyce, William B., B.A. XMacBrayne, David, F.S.A. (Scot.). 


&-Wean EiJc 
M'Carte, Matthew. 
Kane, Robert Romney, M.A., LL.D., M:Carthy, John. 





County Court Judge. M'Clintock, H. F 

Kane, Thomas. MacCollum, Fionan. 
Ravanagh, Rev. Brother J. C. M:Connell, James. 

Keane, John. MacDonagh, Frank. 

Ieane,, JJ. i;  MacDonagh, Michael. 
Keating, Miss Geraldine. Macdonald, Rev. AF: 
Keawell, P. J. M:Donald, “Rev. Allan. 
EFeily, Miss B. i MacDonald, Wilham. 
“Kelly, John E. MacDowell, I. Ba 
&Kent, Pierce. M'Dwyer, James. 

KRer, Professor AE: MacErlean, Andrew. 

Kiely, John. | M'Fadden, Rev. James, P.P. 
Kiely, John M. MacEarlane, Malcolm. 
&IKillen, William. M:Glynn, Right Rev. Monsignotr, v.G. 
King's Inns, Dublin, Hon. Society of. M:Ginley, Connell. 
Kissock, Miss S, Shaw. M'Ginley, Rev. James C. 
Kittridge, Professor G. L. . wkM'“Gimiey,, P.J: 
Klincksieck, Ch. M. M:Govan, Rev. T 

Knox, H. T. M:Groder, John. 


M:Innerney, Thomas. 
Mack ax, A. J. J.. LL.D., Sherifí ol 





La Touche, J. Digges. Fife. 
&Lawson, J. Dillon. MacKay, Eric. 
E “Lecky, Right Hon.W. E. H., M.P., P.C. MacKay, J. G. 
! Lee, Mrs. &MacKay, Thomas A. 
“Lee, Very Rev. Timothy. MacKay, William. 
iLefroy, B. St. GC. MacKen/;ie, William. 
Lehane, D. i; Mackinnon, Professor Donald, 
Leip£ig University, Library of. Mackintosh, Rev. Alexander. 
TLetts, Ch. i. Mackintosh, Andrew. 
Lewis, Sir William J. Bart. i. Mackintosh, Duncan. 
Library of Parliament, Ottawa, U.S.A. Mackintosh, C. Era7er, LL.D. 
Library of Mechanic's Institute, San M:Lachlan, Rev. Hugh. 
Francisco, U.S.A. &Maclagan, R. C., M.D. 
Library of Congress, Washington. M:Lees, William H. 
Eallis, J. T. Macleod, Norman. 
Limerick Free Library. £MacLoughlin, James L. 


Little, Miss M. MacMahon, the Rev. Eugene, Adm. 


MacMahon, Rev. Thomas, P.p. 

MacManus, Miss L. 

MacManas, Patrick. 

w&MacMullan, Rev. A., P.P. 
MacNamara, C. V. 
MacNeill, John, B.A. 

&MacNelll, Patrick Charles. 

M:Nelis, Rev. A., P.P. 

M:'Sweeney, Timothy. 

Maffett, Rev. Richard S., B.A 

Magrath, C. J. Rvland. 

Manchester Free Libraries, per C. W,. 
Sutton, Labrarian. 

Manning, M. A. 

Mannincg, T. E. 

Mara, B. S. 

Martin, A. W. 

&Martyn, Edward. 

Mathew, Frank. 

Mayhev, Rev. A. L. 

Melbourne, Victoria, Public Library 
and Museum of. 

IMleimman, E. J. B.A. 

Mescal, Daniel. 

Meyer, Professor Kuno. 

Aleyrick Library, Jesus College, Ox- 
ford, per W. M. Lindsay, Librarian. 

kMiller, Arthur W. K., M.A. 

Milligan, T. 

Mills, James. 

Milwaukee Library, U.S.A. 

IMiaine, eye 

Mintern, J. 

Mitchell Library, Glasgow, per E. T. 
Barrett, Librarian. 

Mockler, Rev. T. A. 

Molloy, William R. J., J.P., M.R.I.A. 

&NIoloney, Rev. Michael. 

kMonro, C. H., Fellow Caius College, 

Cambridge. 

Moore, Rev. H. Kingsmill. 

Moore, Norman, M.p. 

Moran, His Eminence Patrick 
Cardinal, p.p., —Archbishop 
Sydney (Life Member). 

Moran, D. P. 

Moran, James. 

Moroney, P. J. 

Morris, Patrick. 

kMorris, P. 
Morrison, Hew. 


Ré; 
or 


“Mount St. Alphonsus, Limerick, Very | 


Rev. Fr. Rector of. 
Mount St. Joseph, The Right Rev. 
The Lord Abbot of. 


Mount Mellary, The Right Rev. The | 


Lord Abbot of. 
Mulheernin, Joseph. 


ia] 





Murphy, Conor. 
Murphy, John. 
Murphy, John fJ. 
Murphy, J. J. Finton. 


Nagsle, fil 

National Library of Ireland. 
National Literary Society, Dublin. 
Naughton, O. 

Neil, BAS 

Newark Free Public Library. 

New York Philo-Celtic Society. 
New York Public Library. 
Nichols, Miss M. 
Nixon, William. 
&Noonan, J. D. 
Nottingham Free 

Borough of. 

Nutt, Alfred. 


Public Library, 


(OiBuen, 15. 

0 Brien, R.. Barry. 

O'Brien, Edward. 

O'Brien, Michael. 

O'Brien, Stephen. 

O'Byrne, M. A. i 

O' Byrne, Patrick, 

O'Byrne, W. 

O'Callaghan, Joseph P. 

O'Callaghan, J. J., Phys. and Surg. 

xi arroll, jib 

Gaelens ais 

O'Conor Don, Right Hon. The, p.i.. 

O?Dea; Rev. I. Go ! 

O'Doherty, The Most Rev. Dr., Lord a 
Bishop of Derry. 

O'Donel, Manus, R.E. | 

O'Donnell, The Most Rev. Dr., Lord | 
Bishop of Raphoe. 

O'Donnell, Manus. 

O'Donnell, Patrick. 

O'Donoghue, D. J. 

O'Donoghue, Mortimer. 

O'Donoghue, R., M.p. 

O'Donovan, Rev. J. | 

O'Dowd, Michael. 

O'Driscoll, Rev. Denis, C.C. 

k() “Earl 

O'Farrelly, Miss A. 

O'Gallagher, M. 

O'Grady, Standish Hayes, | 

O'Grady, Standish J. | 

O'Halloran, J. 

0O”Hea, P. i 

O Hennessy, Bartholomew. | 

O'Keefe, J. G. 

Orkaeran, Rev. I 6.6. 





L 


O'Kinealy, Justin. 


O'Laverty, Rev. James, P.P., M.R.I.A. 


Oldham, Miss Edith. 
O'Leary, Denis Augustine. 
O'Leary, James. 

O'Leary, Rev. James M., c.c. 
O'Leary, John. 

Cafeary Rev. EP... P.p; 
O'Leary, Neil. 

O'Leary, Simon. 

O Mahony, Patrick. 
O'Muhenin, Richard. 

&O'Neachtan, John. 
O'Neill, Captain Francis. 
O'”Ouigley, Rev. A. O. 
O'EFeilly, Miss. 

“O'Reilly, Very Rev. Hugh, M.R.I.A. 
Greilly, Rev. J. M.; c.c. 
O'Riordan, Rev. J. 
Orpen, Goddard. 

EO, bea, BE. JJ; 
O”Shaughnessy, R. 
O”?Sullivan, D. 

O”?Sullivan, Daniel 

YO”Sullivan, Michael. 
O'”Sullivan, Rev. T. 


Parkinson, Edward. 
Pearse; pH. 

Pedersen, Dr. Holger. 
Plummer, Rev. C. 

Poole, Prof. Stanley Lane. 
Powel, Thomas. 


Poswell, Proíessor F. York, Regius Pro- 


fessor of Modern History, Oxford. 
&Power, Edward J. 
Power, Rev. P. 
Power, William Aloysius Lucas. 


Pratt Institute Free Library, Brooklyn, 


New Yorslx US. A. 
Prince, J. Dyneley, PH.D. 
Purcell, Joseph. 


Ouinn, John. 


Raleigh, William. 


Rapmund, Rev. Joseph, C.C., M.R.I.A. 


Rhys, Mis. Ernest. 

Rhys, Professor John. 
ice, Hon. Mary Spring. 
Richardson, Stephen J. 
Rine, Rev. T. 

Robertson, J. L. 
Robinson, Proícssor E. N, 


ig á] 


Rolleston, T. W. 
Rossall, John H. 

“Rushe, Denis Carolan, B.A. 
Ryan, Mark, M.p. 
Ryan, Patrick J., M.pD. 
Ryan, Rev. T. E. 
Ryan, W. BP. 


Savage-Armstrong, Proíessor G. F. 

Scanlan, Joseph, M.p. 

Scanlan, Rev. James, cC.c. 

Scott, Miss Jean Mac Faelan. 
&kSephton, Rev. John. 

Seymour, Rev. Robe:t, Dp.p. 

Shahan, Very Rev. Thomas J., D.D. 

Sharp, Wilham. 

Shaw, W. N. 

Shekleton, A. J. 

Sheridan, Rev. Joseph, c.c. 

Shorten, George. 

Shorter, Clement. 

Sigerson, George, M.D. 

Sinton, Rev. Thomas. 

Smxth, EF. Acheson. 

Sneddon, Geo. T. 

Speight, EE, B.A. 

Spirgatis, Herr M. 

Stevens & Brown. 

Stokes, Whitley, D.C.L. 

Stoney, Bindon B., M.A., LL.D., F.R.S. 

Strassburg, Kaiserlich Universitáts u. 

Landes Bibliothek, 
Sullivan, Patrick. 
Sweeny, William M. 


Taylor Institution, Oxíord. 
Tenison, E. R., M.D. 
Thompson, Miss E. Skefhneton. 
Thurneysen, Professor Dr. Rudolf, 
Todhunter, John, M.p. 
Toronto Library. 
Traherne, Llewellyn E. 

&Trench, F. H., Fellow of All Souls, 

Oxford. 

Trench, Professor W. FE. J. 
Twigg, John Hill. 
Twoomey, Jeremiah. 


&Vallack, Miss A. 
Vienna, Imperial University Library. 
Vienna, Imperial Library. 


[ds 


Wallace, Colonel R. H. 

Watlanson Library, Hartíord, U. S.A. 
AWValsh, Rev. Martin, P.P. 

Walsh, Martin S. 

Walsh, Most Rev. William J., D.D., 

Lord Archbishop of Dublin. 

Aard, John C. 

Ward, Timothy. 

Waters, George A., M.D., Surg. R.N. 
Webb, Alfred. 

Weld, W. R. 

MWelter, H. 

White, William Grove. 
&AWViliams, T. W. 

Wilson, R. H. 

Wiindisch, Professor Dvr. Ernst. 





Wood, Alexander. 

AVorcester MPublc Library, 
IJe im die 

Wiight, A. R. 


Mass., 


Yale University Library, New Hav-n, 
Conas IA 

Yeats, W. B. 

Young, Miss Rose M. 

Young, EP. 

Yule, Miss. 


/7ammer, Proíessor Dr. II. 


"rá .“áiimE 





1131 OF IRISH THXTS S00I9TYS PUBLIOATIONS 


IN HAND OR ISSUED. 


dd rl rl dul rl Yu $l Yu Yrul 


£. Siolla an Pius [ The Lad of the Ferule]. 
Caccne Clomne ís na h-lonucuóe [ Adventures oí 
the Children of the King of Norway |. 
(r6th and ith century texts.) 
Edited by DOUGLAS HYDE, LL.D. 
(7ssued régo.) 


um FÉleo. omcnenú; [The Eeast of Bricriu |. 


(From Leabhar na h-Uidhre, with conclusion from Gaelic 
MS. xr.. Advocates” Lib., and variants from B. M. Egerto., 
gai; 6. I9.igro: Li; Ieycden ni. Bs Mossi Jab 45) 

Edited by GEORGE HBENDERSON, M.A., Pu.-D- 
(7sswed ráoo.) 











3. Oánca Cíoohagcin uí Ieachoille The Poems of 
Egan O'Rahilly. Complete Edition. 


Edited, chiefly from Mss. in Maynooth College, by 
IEA EE. SINE EN, oJjsiEAs 


(No ready.) 





4. Fonur Feara an €inmmn [History of Ireland|. By 
GEorFREY KEATING. 
Edited by DAVID COMYN, Eso. 
(Part I. will form the Society's volume for i1gor.) 


5. Ouancine Finn [Ossianic Poems from the Library 
of the Franciscan Monastery, Dublin. | 
Edited by JOHN M'NEILL, B.A. 
(7n. Jrefaration.) 





6. Dectccr Coluim-cille [Life of Columba |. By Masus 
O'Dossig 2 is 
(From the MS. Bod. Lib.) 
Edited by comús Ó PLANNÁA4ILG. 


IUISH-BNCLISH, BNOLISH-IRISH POOKET DIOTIONART 


CoNSIDERABLE progress has been made in the com- 
pilation of the Irish Texts Societys Irish-English 
Pocket Dictionary. Full information will be eiven 
at a later period as to price; si;e, etc. The Dictionary, 
wnich will contain chieíly words used in modern Irish, 
and is intended for students of the living language, 
will be published at as low a price as possible, and 
in a handy íorm. “The Irish-English Dictionary “aill 
appear first in a separate volume, but in such a form 
that it can afterwards be bound, —- Bige the 
English-Irish part. i 


The Editors are Rev, P. O'Leary and. Mr bad 
Comyn. 


Intending subscribers should communicate with 
with Miss Drury, Hon. Secretary, Dictionary Sub- 
Committee, or with Miss Hull, Hon. Secretary, Irish 
lexts Society, at 8, Adelphi Terrace, Strand, Lon: 
don, We. 





DAYWVID NUTT. Lonaon. 


THE CUCHULLIN S$AGA IN IRISH LITERATURE. Being a 
Collection of Stories relating to the Hero Cuchullin, translated 
from the Irish by various scholars. Compiled and edited, with 
Introduction and Notes, by ELEANOR HULL. With Map of 
Heroic Ireland. BPp. lxxx 4 316. 7s. 6d. net. 


SOME PRESS NOTICES, 


The Academy.— ““ The English reader could not wish for a better introduction 
to the wildest and most fascinating division of Irish mxyth.” 


Mr. T. W. Rolleston in the “Daily Express.”—-“ This great Saga has many 
aspects—mystical, historical, ethnological, and literary. IT have here touched on 
the latter only, but the more one reads it the deeper appears its significance and 
value, the fuller its interest. Every Irish reader who desires to know something, 
nu all of us should desire, of his spiritual ancestry, should place this book on his 
shelves.? 


The Scotsman.—: A selection made and annotated with much judgment.” 


Northern Chronicle.—:: The work of compilation has been exceedingly well 
done.” 


The Outlook.—'“: Miss Hull's very admirable edition of the Cuchullin Saga 
furnishes one of the best available examples of the character of Irish romantic 
legend.”? 


The Daily Nation.—“: Miss Hull 's introduction is one of the most lucid aná 
careful studies of medieval Irish literature yet published in popular form.” 


THE LEGEND OF SIR GAWAIN. Studies upon its Original Scope 
and Significance, by JESSIE L. WESTON. PBPp. xiv £ II7. 45. net, 


SOME PRESS NOTICES. 


Manchester Guardian.—““ A careful, readable, and suggestive study which 
adds substantially to the results obtained by Madden's well-known book.” 


Academy.— “: Invaluable in clearing the path íor a final survey of the tangled 
wood of Arthurian legend.? 


Professor W. P. Ker in “Folk-Lore.'— “ A clear and interesting account of 
the part taken by Gawain in some of the romances, with a view to the possible 
interpretation of the facts in connexion with Celtic, and especially with Irish 
literature.” 


vYv. The special interest of this study to Irish readers is the clear demonstration 
of the parallelism between the Welsh Gawain and the Irish Cuchulainn. New 
proof of this parallelism is afforded in Mr. Henderson's edition of /7/ed 7774crémnj, 
the second volume of the Irish Texts Society's publications. 


bá 
DAVID NUT TIT. Lonaon. 


NLS dd NLS NS HS NS NS NN EREBHBIINNNNN: 





4 


Mn. NUTT /as Auóished in the Grúnm Labrary the follooing suorks 
2|lusiraíiúe of Ceific Afyihology and omance — 


THE VOYAGE OF BRAN, $0N OF FEBAL, TO THE LAND OF 
THE LIVING. An Old Irish Saga now first edited, with Trans- 
lation, Notes, and Glossary, by KUNo MEvVER. With an Essay 
upon the Irish Vision of the Happy Otherworld, and the Celtic 
Doctrine of Rebirth, by ALFRED NUTT. 232 vols. 


1. THE HAPPVOTHERWORLD. BPp. xvii --331. Ios. 6d. net. 


11. THE CELTIC DOCTRINE OF REBIRTH. Pp. xii-352. Ios. 64. 
net. ' 


SOME PRESS NOTICES. 


Monsieur H8H. D'Arbois de Jubainville in the “ Revue Celtigue.”—“ CEuvre 
d'une grande valeur scientifigue et d'une lecture agpréable.” 


Monsieur H. Gaidos in “ Mélusine,”—“ Edition, tradition et commentaire 
philologigue sont d'une critigue irréprochable.. .. M. Nutt est bien informé: 
ses matériaux sont pris aux meilleures sources: son exposition est nette et 
précise : son livre est une ceuvre d'histoire générale a la fois des croyances et des 
littératures.?? 

Monsieur Gaston Paris in “ Romania.”—“ Trés savante étude. .. gui sera 
lue avec grand profit par tous ceux gui s'occupent de littérature comparée ou 
d'histoire religieuse,”” 

Professor Ernst Martin in the “ 7eitschrift fir deutsches Alterthum.”— - 
““Ueberall verwertet Nutt die besten und neuesten Hilfsmittel, aber er vermehrt 
auch selbststandig das Material und ;ieht eine Reihe von Schlussen welche er 
methodisch begrúndet und ;ugleich klar und fesselnd vortragt.” 


Professor F. York Powell in “: Folk-Lore.”—“: The most valuable contribution 
to the history of religion and religious ideas that, so far as my knowledge goes, 
last year gave us.” 


Monsieur L. Marillierinthe “Revue de 1'Histoire des Religions.”—“M. Nutt 
aura rendu un éminent service en portant á la connaissance des mythologues des 
documents dont beaucoup malheureusement ne sont mis a profit gue dans le 
cercle étroit des celtisants; il en aura rendu un plus grand encore en faisant avec 
tant de sureté critigue et de solide érudition ]'analyse et Lhistoire des conceptions 
comp]exes gui y sont contenues,”” 

Notes and 0ueries.—“: This notable contribution to the history of Celtic myth 
and religion.” 

Manchester Guardian.—':The book is important, because it is a carefully 
reasoned constructive effort to get a working-theory of Aryan religious history.” 

Invernesg Northern Chronicle. —“ A reconstruction of pre-Christian Irish 
theology. . . . Professor Meyer"s translations are admirable. . .. . It is impossible 
to give In this notice an idea of Mr. Nutt's painstaking gathering of materials, or 
of the scientific use he makes of them in the work of restoration.” 

Modern Language Notes (Baltimore). — “The field has been thoroughly 
examined for material; the material has been well and clearly worked over. The 
statements of fact are always fair; the reasoning is usually c]ear, forcible, and 
just, and the conclusions sane.” 


808020 








PB Is. Slic 


O“RAHILLY, EGAM 
DARTA f/ODHAGAIIN! Ui 
RATHAILLE 


AJ4-6/69 


Sa 


k 
dioehbiohdiih 
ii h 









-ws 
ós 


tush 
Set 


x 


E 


iad 
aoine r 
wieá 


NAIOHD 
sis; 
by eis 





“t 


“ 
shaieiteoir 

Fraic 
ss 






! 
t 
I 
i 
i 
: 
i 


iii mh 
b4. 4 


— 
lin 


ú 


4. 





Mas 
we! 
shéala aa i 


ry Fh htAON fit 


sudiu údarás Lig 






&wráeie 


Tall ha) ers373 FÁs bui 
i 


tale 


aid An il LAE 
ata 


da65 


mm 


Feeterewaicir 
HHAN 


- 
- 


Si4ais As Ais ta 


me hi ii 
géiérs inní ie 


aa 


&: